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THE 


CONSTITUTION 


OF  THE 

Presbyterian 


Church 


IN  THE 

UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA : 


BEING 

ITS  STANDARDS  SUBORDINATE  TO  THE  WORD  OF  GOD,  VIZ. 

THE  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  THE  LARGER  AND  SHORTER 
CATECHISMS,  THE  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT,  THE 
BOOK  OF  DISCIPLINE,  AND  THE  DIREC¬ 
TORY  FOR  THE  WORSHIP  OF  GOD 

AS  RATIFIED  AND  ADOPTED  BY  THE  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK 
AND  PHILADELPHIA  IN  THE  YEAR  OF  OUR  LORD  1788 

AND  AS  AMENDED  IN  THE  YEARS 

1805-1908 

TOGETHER  WITH 

THE  CONSTITUTIONAL  RULES  ADOPTED  IN  1893-1907, 
AND  ADMINISTRATIVE  ACTS  OF  THE  ASSEM¬ 
BLY  OF  A  GENERAL  NATURE 


PHILADELPHIA 

PRESBYTERIAN  BOARD  OF  PUBLICATION 
AND  SABBATH-SCHOOL  WORK 

1910 


COPYRIGHT,  1888,  BY 

THE  TRUSTEES  OF  THE 

PRESBYTERIAN  BOARD  OF  PUBLICATION 
AND  SABBATH-SCHOOL  WORK. 


REVISED  EDITION,  COPYRIGHT,  1S9G,  1897,  1899,  1902. 


REVISED  MARCH,  1910. 


f 


C..T 


XI 5 

1  °\  \  o 

ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

May  29,  1839. 

Resolved ,  That  the  permission  heretofore  granted  by  the 
Assembly  to  publish  the  Confession  of  Faith  in  contravention 
of  the  copyright,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  revoked. 

Resolved ,  That  the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Publication 
is  hereby  directed  to  take  the  charge,  oversight,  and  agency  of 
printing  and  selling  the  authorized  copy  of  the  Constitution 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

Resolved ,  That  the  standing  committees  to  supervise  the  pub¬ 
lication  of  the  Constitution,  within  the  bounds  of  the  several 
Synods,  be,  and  the  same  are,  hereby  abolished. 

May  31,  1886. 

Resolved ,  That  the  Stated  and  Permanent  Clerks  be  a  commit¬ 
tee  to  supervise  the  publication  of  any  and  all  editions  of  the 
Constitution  hereafter  issued  bv  the  Board  of  Publication,  and 
also  of  the  Rules  for  Judicatories. 

May  22,  1891. 

Resolved ,  That  no  change  of  the  text  of  any  of  the  several 
Standards  of  Doctrine,  Government,  Discipline,  and  Worship, 
included  in  the  Constitution,  shall  hereafter  be  made  except 
after  report  to  the  General  Assembly,  and  due  constitutional 
procedure. 

\ 

ATTESTATION. 

The  Clerks  of  the  General  Assembly,  as  the  Permanent 
Committee  appointed  to  supervise  all  editions  of  the  Consti¬ 
tution,  having  carefully  examined  this  edition,  herewith  state 
that  the  text  has  been  carefully  compared  with  those  of  the 
editions  of  1789,  1797, 1815,  1821,  1885,  and  1888,  the  edition 
of  1789  being  regarded  as  the  Princeps,  and  also  with  the 
texts  of  the  Amendments  as  they  appear  in  the  Minutes  of 
the  General  Assembly.  In  their  judgment,  this  edition  con¬ 
tains  what  may  be  regarded  as  the  authoritative  text  of  the 
Constitutional  Standards  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America.  The  Proof  Texts  are  those  ap¬ 
proved  by  the  Assembly  of  1894,  and  have  been  carefully 
edited.  The  Index  has  been  greatly  enlarged,  and  it  is 
believed  will  prove  a  decided  help  in  consulting  the  work. 

Wm.  H.  Roberts, 
Wm.  B.  Noble. 

3 


HISTORICAL  SUMMARY. 


The  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms 
were  adopted,  in  1729,  by  the  General  Synod  of  the 
undivided  Presbyterian  Church,  as  the  “  confession  of  their 
faith,”  excepting  certain  clauses  relating  to  the  civil  magis¬ 
trate. 

In  1788,  the  General  Synod  amended  the  Confession  of 
Faith  in  Chapters  xx.,  xxiii.,  and  xxxi.,  made  “a  small 
amendment”  of  the  Larger  Catechism,  and  adopted  the 
amended  Confession  of  Faith  and  the  Catechisms,  the 
Form  of  Government,  the  Book  of  Discipline,  and  the 
Directory  for  Worship,  “as  the  standard  of  our  doctrine, 
government,  discipline,  and  worship.” 

Amendments  of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  since  1788,  have 
been  as  follows:  In  1886-87,  by  striking  out  from  Chapter 
xxiv.,  Section  4,  the  clause  forbidding  marriage  with 
a  deceased  wife's  sister.  In  1902-03,  by  adding  Chapters 
xxxiv.  and  xxxv.,  and  the  Declaratory  Statement  as  to 
Chapter  iii.  and  Chapter  x.,  Section  3;  also  by  the  alteration 
of  Chapter  xvi.,  Section  7,  Chapter  xxii.,  Section  3,  and 
Chapter  xxv.,  Section  6. 

The  Book  of  Discipline  was  entirely  reconstructed  in 
1884;  and  amendments  and  additions  were  made,  1894-1907. 

The  Form  of  Government  and  the  Directory  for  Worship 
have  been  amended  and  added  to  in  various  Sections  between 
the  years  1805  and  1908. 

TIiq  first  Committee  to  “select  and  arrange  the  Proof 
Texts”  was  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  in  1792, 
and  the  proof  texts  were  published  in  the  edition  of  the 
Constitution  issued  in  1797.  In  1888,  a  second  Committee 
was  appointed  to  revise  the  “Proof  Texts,”  and  to  furnish 
proof  texts  for  the  Shorter  Catechism.  The  work  was 
approved  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1894. 

The  Standards  were  also  adopted  as  the  basis  of  Reunion, 
as  follows:  in  1758  by  the  Synods  of  New  York  and  Phila¬ 
delphia  ;  in  1869  by  the  “Old  School  ”  and  the  “  New  School  ” 
Churches;  and  in  1906  by  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church 
and  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  U.  S.  A. 

4 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

I  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH .  9 

I.  Of  the  Holy  Scripture . .  .  .  9 

II.  Of  God,  and  of  the  Holy  Trinity .  16 

III.  Of  God’s  Eternal  Decree .  20 

IV.  Of  Creation  .  26 

V.  Of  Providence .  28 

VI.  Of  the  Fall  of  Man,  of  Sin,  and  of  the  Punishment 

thereof .  34 

VII.  Of  God’s  Covenant  with  Man .  38 

VIII.  Of  Christ  the  Mediator .  43 

IX.  Of  Free  Will  . .  51 

X.  Of  Effectual  Calling  . .  54 

XI.  Of  Justification  .  59 

XII.  Of  Adoption .  63 

XIII.  Of  Sanctification .  65 

XIV.  Of  Saving  Faith .  67 

XV.  Of  Repentance  unto  Life .  70 

XVI.  Of  Good  Works .  73 

XVII.  Of  the  Perseverance  of  the  Saints .  79 

XVIII.  Of  the  Assurance  of  Grace  and  Salvation  ....  82 

XIX.  Of  the  Law  of  God .  86 

XX.  Of  Christian  Liberty,  and  Liberty  of  Conscience  .  92 

XXI.  Of  Religious  Worship  and  the  Sabbath  Day  ...  97 

XXII.  Of  Lawful  Oaths  and  Vows . 104 

XXIII.  Of  the  Civil  Magistrate . 107 

XXIV.  Of  Marriage  and  Divorce . Ill 

XXV.  Of  the  Church . 114 

XXVI.  Of  the  Communion  of  Saints . 117 


5 


6 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

XXVII.  Of  the  Sacraments . 119 

XXVIII.  Of  Baptism . 121 

XXIX.  Of  the  Lord’s  Supper . 125 

XXX.  Of  Church  Censures . 129 

XXXI.  Of  Synods  and  Councils . 131 

XXXII.  Of  the  State  of  Man  after  Death,  and  of  the 

Resurrection  of  the  Dead . 133 

XXXIII.  Of  the  Last  Judgment . 135 

XXXIV.  Of  the  Holy  Spirit . 138 

XXXV.  Of  the  Love  of  God  and  Missions  .......  139 

Declaratory  Statement . 140 

II.  THE  LARGER  CATECHISM . 141 

III.  THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM . 311 

The  Ten  Commandments . 348 

The  Lord’s  Prayer . 319 

The  Creed . 350 

IV.  THE  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT . 351 

I.  Preliminary  Principles . 351 

II.  Of  the  Church  . 354 

III.  Of  the  Officers  of  the  Church .  355 

IV.  Of  Bishops  or  Pastors . 356 

V.  Of  Ruling  Elders . 357 

VI.  Of  Deacons . 3.>8 

VII,  Of  Ordinances  in  a  Particular  Church . 358 

VIII.  Of  Church  Government,  and  of  Judicatories  ....  360 

IX  Of  the  Church  Session . 361 

X.  Of  the  Presbytery . 364 

XI.  Of  the  Synod . 367 

XII.  Of  the  General  Assembly . 369 

XIII.  Of  Electing  and  Ordaining  Ruling  Elders  and  Dea- 

qto 

cons . 04  ~ 

XIV.  Of  Licensing  Candidates  to  Preach  the  Gospel  .  .  .  374 

XV.  Of  the  Election  and  Ordination  of  Bishops  or  Pas¬ 

tors,  and  Evangelists . .. . 378 

XVI.  Of  Translation,  or  Removing  a  Minister  from  One 

Charge  to  Another . 384 


CONTENTS. 


7 

PAGE 

XVII.  Of  Resigning  a  Pastoral  Charge . 387 

XVIII.  Of  Missions . 388 

XIX.  Of  Moderators  . . 389 

XX.  Of  Clerks . 390 

XXI.  Of  Vacant  Congregations . 390 

XXII.  Of  Commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly  .  .  ,  392 

XXIII.  Of  the  Organizations  of  the  Church . 393 

XXIV.  Of  Amendments  .  . ' . .  ....  394 

V.  THE  BOOK  OF  DISCIPLINE . 397 

I.  Of  Discipline:  its  Nature,  Ends,  and  Subjects  .  .  .  397 

II.  Of  the  Parties  in  Cases  of  Process  .........  398 

III.  Of  Charges  and  Specifications . 100 

IV.  Of  Process :  General  Rules  Pertaining  to  All  Cases  .  400 

V.  Special  Rules  Pertaining  to  Cases  before  Sessions  .  .  404 

VI.  General  Rules  Pertaining  to  the  Trial  of  a  Minister, 

Elder,  or  Deacon . 405 

VII.  Of  Cases  without  Process . 407 

VIII.  Of  Evidence  . . 409 

IX.  Of  the  Ways  in  which  a  Cause  may  be  Carried  from 

a  Lower  to  a  Higher  Judicatory . 411 

I.  Of  General  Review  and  Control . 412 

II.  Of  References . 413 

III.  Of  Complaints . 414 

IV.  Of  Appeals . 416 

X.  Of  Dissents  and  Protests . 418 

XI.  Of  Jurisdiction  in  Cases  of  Dismission . 419 

XII  Of  Removals,  and  Limitations  of  Time . 420 

XIII.  Concerning  Judicial  Cases . 421 

I.  Concerning  Judicial  Cases  in  Presbyteries  and 

Synods . 421 

II.  Concerning  Judicial  Cases  in  the  General  Assembly.  423 

III.  Concerning  Non- Judicial  or  Administrative  Cases 

and  References . 425 

XIV.  Of  Differences  between  Judicatories . 425 

VI.  THE  DIRECTORY  FOR  THE  WORSHIP  OF  GOD.  427 

I.  Of  the  Sanctification  of  the  Lord’s  Day . 427 

II.  Of  the  Assembling  of  the  Congregation  and  their 

Behavior  during  Divine  Service . 428 


8 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

III.  Of  the  Public  Reading  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  .  .  .  429 

IV.  Of  the  Singing  of  Psalms . 429 

V.  Of  Public  Prayer . 430 

VI.  Of  the  Worship  of  God  by  Offerings . 432 

VII.  Of  the  Preaching  of  the  Word . 433 

VIII.  Of  the  Administration  of  Baptism . 434 

IX.  Of  the  Administration  of  the  Lord’s  Supper  ...  437 

X.  Of  the  Admission  to  Full  Communion  of  Persons  Bap¬ 
tized  in  Infancy . 440 

XI.  Of  the  Mode  of  Inflicting  and  Removing  Censures  .  441 

XII.  Of  the  Solemnization  of  Marriage . 444 

XIII.  Of  the  Visitation  of  the  Sick  .  447 

XIV.  Of  the  Burial  of  the  Dead . 448 

XV.  Of  Fasting,  and  of  the  Observation  of  the  Days  of 

Thanksgiving . 449 

XVI.  The  Directory  for  Secret  and  Family  Worship  .  .  .  450 

VII.  CONSTITUTIONAL  RULES . 453 

1.  Local  Evangelists  . . 453 

2.  Trials  for  Licensure . 454 

3.  Candidates  for  the  Ministry . 454 

VIII.  APPENDIX . 455 

A.  Acts  of  the  General  Assembly . 457 

I.  Adjustments  Connected  with  Reunion  .  .  .  457,  479 

II.  Amendments  to  the  Constitution . 459 

III.  Assembly  Funds . 460 

IV.  Theological  Seminaries . 463 

V.  Foreign  Ministers . 465 

VI.  Ministers  of  Other  Denominations  in  theU.  S.  A.  .  470 

VII.  Presbvteries  and  Svnods . 472 

VIII.  Sessions  and  Churches . 474 

IX.  Boards  of  the  Church . 478 

B„  General  Rules  for  Judicatories . 481 

IX.  INDEX . 489 


THE 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


CHAPTER  I. 

OF  THE  HOLY  SCRIPTURE. 

I.  Although  the  light  of  nature,  and  the  works  of 
creation  and  providence,  do  so  far  manifest  the  goodness, 
wisdom,  and  power  of  God,  as  to  leave  men  inexcusable; a 
yet  they  are  not  sufficient  to  give  that  knowledge  of  God 
and  of  his  will,  which. is  necessary  unto  salvation  ;b  there¬ 
fore  it  pleased  the  Lord,  at  sundry  times,  and  in  divers 


I. «  Psa.  xix.  1-4.  The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God ;  and  the 
firmament  showeth  his  handy-work.  Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech, 
and  night  unto  night  showeth  knowledge.  There  is  no  speech  nor 
language,  where  their  voice  is  not  heard.  Their  line  is  gone  out, 
through  all  the  earth,  and  their  words  to  the  end  of  the  world.  In 
them  hath  he  set  a  tabernacle  for  the  sun.  Rom.  i.  32.  Who.  know¬ 
ing  the  judgment  of  God,  that  they  which  commit  such  things  are 
worthy  of  death,  not  only  do  the  same,  but  have  pleasure  in  them 
that  do  them.  Rom.  ii.  1.  Therefore  thou  art  inexcusable,  O  man, 
whosoever  thou  art  thatjudgest:  for  wherein  thou  judgest  another, 
thou  condemnest  thyself;  for  thou  thatjudgest  doest  the  same  things. 
Rom.  i.  19,  20.  Because  that  which  may  be  known  of  God  is  manifest 
in  them;  for  God  hath  showed  it  unto  them.  For  the  invisible 
things  of  him  from  the  creation  of  the  world  are  clearly  seen,  being 
understood  by  the  things  that  are  made,  even  his  eternal  power  and 
Godhead ;  so  that  they  are  without  excuse.  See  Rom.  ii.  14,  15. 

*1  Cor.  i.  21.  For  after  that  in  the  wisdom  of  God  the  world  by  wis¬ 
dom  knew  not  God,  it  pleased  God  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching 
to  save  them  that  believe.  1  Cor.  ii.  13,  14.  Which  things  also  we 
speak,  not  in  the  words  which  man’s  wisdom  teacheth,  but  which 
the  Holy  Ghost  teacheth  ;  comparing  spiritual  things  with  spiritual. 
But  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God : 
for  they  are  foolishness  unto  him :  neither  can  he  know  them,  be¬ 
cause  they  are  spiritually  discerned. 


9 


10 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


[chap.  I. 


manners,  to  reveal  himself,  and  to  declare  that  his  will 
unto  his  Church  ;  c  and  afterwards,  for  the  better  preserv¬ 
ing  and  propagating  of  the  truth,  and  for  the  more  sure  es¬ 
tablishment  and  comfort  of  the  Church  against  the  corrup¬ 
tion  of  the  flesh,  and  the  malice  of  Satan  and  of  the  world, 
to  commit  the  same  wholly  unto  writing :  d  which  maketh 
the  Holy  Scripture  to  be  most  necessary ; e  those  former 
ways  of  God’s  revealing  his  will  unto  his  people  being 
now  ceased./ 

II.  Under  the  name  of  Holy  Scripture,  or  the  Word  of 
God  written,  are  now  contained  all  the  books  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testament,  which  are  these : 


OF  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT. 


Genesis. 

Exodus. 


Deuteronomy. 

Joshua. 

Judges. 

Ruth. 


I.  Samuel. 

II.  Samuel. 

I.  Kings. 

II.  Kings. 


Leviticus. 

Numbers. 


cHeb.  i.  1,  2.  God,  who  at  sundry  times  and  in  divers  manners 
spake  in  time  past  unto  the  fathers  by  the  prophets,  Hath  in  these 
last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his  Son. 

dLuke  i.  3,  4.  It  seemed  good  to  me  also,  having  had  perfect  under¬ 
standing  of  all  things  from  the  very  first,  to  write  unto  thee  in  order, 
most  excellent  Theophilus,  That  thou  mightest  know  the  certainty 
of  those  things,  wherein  thou  hast  been  instructed.  Rom.  xv.  4. 
For  whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime  were  written  for  our 
learning,  that  we  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  Scriptures 
might  have  hope.  Matt.  iv.  4,  7,  10.  But  he  answered  and  said,  It 
is  written,  Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every  word  that 
proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of  God.— Jesus  said  unto  him,  It  is 
written  again,  Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God.— Then  saith 
Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee  hence,  Satan  :  for  it  is  written,  Thou  shalt 
worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve.  Isa.  viii. 
20.  To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony:  if  they  speak  not  according  to 
;his  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them. 

«2Tim.  iii.  J5.  And  that  from  a  child  thou  hast  known  the  holy 
Scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation  through 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  2  Pet.  i.  19.  We  have  also  a  more  sure 
word  of  prophecy;  whereunto  ye  do  well  that  ye  take  heed,  as  unto 
a  light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  place,  until  the  day  dawn,  and  the 
daystar  arise  in  your  hearts. 

/Heb.  i.  1,  2.  God,  who  at  sundry  times  and  in  divers  manners 
spake  in  time  past  unto  the  fathers  by  the  prophets,  Hath  in  these 
last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his  Son,  whom  he  bath  appointed  heir 
of  all  things,  by  whom  also  he  made  the  worlds. 


sect,  hi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


1 


1 


I.  Chronicles. 

II.  Chronicles. 
Ezra. 

Nehemiah. 

Esther. 

Job. 

Psalms. 

Proverbs. 

Ecclesiastes. 


The  Song  of  Songs. 
Isaiah. 

Jeremiah. 

Lamentations. 

Ezekiel. 

Daniel. 

Hosea. 

Joel. 

Amos. 


Obadiah. 

Jonah. 

Micah. 

Nahum. 

Habakkuk. 

Zephaniah. 

Haggai. 

Zechariah. 

Malachi. 


OF  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 


The  Gospels  accord¬ 
ing  to 
Matthew. 

Mark. 

Luke. 

John 

The  Acts  of  the 
Apostles. 

Paul’s  Epistles  to  the 
Romans. 
Corinthians,  I. 


Corinthians,  II. 
Galatians. 
Ephesians. 
Philippians. 
Colossians. 
Thessalonians,  I. 
Thessalonians,  II. 
To  Timothy,  I. 

To  Timothy,  II. 
To  Titus. 

To  Philemon. 


The  Epistle  to  the 
Hebrews. 

The  Epistle  of  James. 
The  first  and  second 
Epistles  of  Peter. 
The  first,  second  and 
third  Epistles  of 
John. 

The  Epistle  of  Jude. 
The  Revelation. 


All  which  are  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  to  be  the  rule 
of  faith  and  life.  9 

III.  The  books  commonly  called  Apocrypha,  not  being 
of  divine  inspiration,  are  no  part  of  the  canon  of  the 
Scripture;  and  therefore  are  of  no  authority  in  the 
Church  of  God,  nor  to  be  any  otherwise  approved,  or 
made  use  of,  than  other  human  writings.  h 


II.  ^Eph.  ii.  20.  And  are  built  upon  the  foundation  of  the  apostles 
and  prophets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner  stone. 
Rev.  xxii.  18,  19.  For  I  testify  unto  every  man  that  heareth  the 
words  of  the  prophecy  of  this  book,  If  any  man  shall  add  unto  these 
things,  God  shall  add  unto  him  the  plagues  that  are  written  in  this 
book.  And  if  any  man  shall  take  away  from  the  words  of  the  book 
of  this  prophecy,  God  shall  take  away  his  part  out  of  the  book  of 
life,  and  out  of  the  holy  city,  and  from  the  things  which  are  written 
in  this  book.  2  Tim.  iii.  16.  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of 
God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  in¬ 
struction  in  righteousness.  Matt.  xi.  27.  Neither  knoweth  any  man 
the  Father,  save  the  Son,  and  he  to  whomsoever  the  Son  will  reveal 
him. 

III.  h  Luke  xxiv.  27,  44.  And  beginning  at  Moses  and  all  the  proph¬ 
ets,  he  expounded  unto  them  in  all  the  Scriptures  the  tilings  con¬ 
cerning  himself.— And  he  said  unto  them,  These  are  the  words  which 


12 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


[chap.  I. 


IV.  The  authority  of  the  Holy  Scripture,  for  which  it 
ought  to  be  believed  and  obeyed,  dependeth  not  upon  the 
testimony  of  any  man  or  church,  but  wholly  upon  God, 
(who  is  truth  itself,)  the  author  thereof;  and  therefore  it 
is  to  be  received,  because  it  is  the  Word  of  God.* 

V.  We  may  be  moved  and  induced  by  the  testimony  of 
the  Church  to  an  high  and  reverent  esteem  of  the  Hoi} 
Scripture ;  k  and  the  heavenliness  of  the  matter,  the  ef¬ 
ficacy  of  the  doctrine,  the  majesty  of  the  style,  the  con¬ 
sent  of  all  the  parts,  the  scope  of  the  whole,  (which  is  tn 
give  all  glory  to  God,)  the  full  discovery  it  makes  of  the 
only  way  of  man’s  salvation,  the  many  other  incompar¬ 
able  excellencies,  and  the  entire  perfection  thereof,  are 
arguments  whereby  it  doth  abundantly  evidence  itself  to 
be  the  Word  of  God ;  yet,  notwithstanding,  our  full  per¬ 
suasion  and  assurance  of  the  infallible  truth,  and  divine 
authority  thereof,  is  from  the  inward  work  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  bearing  witness  by  and  with  the  Word  in  our 
hearts. 1 * * IV. V. 


1  spake  unto  you,  while  I  was  yet  with  you,  that  all  things  must  be 

fulfilled,  which  were  written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  and  in  the  prophets, 
and  in  the  psalms,  concerning  me.  Rom.  iii.  2.  Much  every  way. 
chiefly,  because  that  unto  them  were  committed  the  oracles  of  God. 

2  Pet.  i.  21.  For  the  prophecy  came  not  in  old  time  by  the  will  of 
man :  but  holy  men  of  God  spoke  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

IV.  *2  Tim.  iii.  16.  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and 
is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in 
righteousness.  1  John  v.  9.  If  we  receive  the  witness  of  men,  the 
witness  of  God  is  greater :  for  this  is  the  witness  of  God  which  he  hath 
testified  of  his  Son.  1  Thess.  ii.  13.  For  this  cause  also  thank  we  God 
without  ceasing,  because,  when  ye  received  the  Avord  of  God  which 
ye  heard  of  us,  ye  received  it  not  as  the  Avord  of  men,  but,  as  it  is  in 
truth,  the  Avord  of  God,  which  effectually  Avorketh  also  in  you  that 
believe. 

V.  *  1  Tim.  iii.  15.  But  if  I  tarry  long,  that  thou  mayest  knoAV  how 
thou  oughtest  to  behave  thyself  in  the  house  of  God,  Avhich  is  the 
church  of  the  living  God,  the  pillar  and  ground  of  the  truth. 

1 1  John  ii.  20,  27.  But  ye  have  an  unction  from  the  Holy  One,  and 
ye  knoAV  all  things.— But  the  anointing  Avhich  ye  have  received  of 
him  abideth  in  you,  and  ye  need  not  that  any  man  teach  you  :  but  as 
the  same  anointing  teacheth  you  of  all  things,  and  is  truth,  and  is  no 
lie,  and  even  as  it  hath  taught  you,  ye  shall  abide  in  him.  John  xvi 
13, 14.  IIoAvbeit  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come,  he  will  guide 


sect,  yi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


13 


YI.  The  whole  counsel  of  God,  concerning  all  things 
necessary  for  his  own  glory,  man’s  salvation,  faith,  and 
life,  is  either  expressly  set  down  in  Scripture,  or  by  good 
and  necessary  consequence  may  be  deduced  from  Script¬ 
ure  :  unto  which  nothing  at  any  time  is  to  be  added, 
whether  by  new  revelations  of  the  Spirit  or  traditions 
of  men.m  Nevertheless  we  acknowledge  the  inward  illu¬ 
mination  of  the  Spirit  of  God  to  be  necessary  for  the  sav¬ 
ing  understanding  of  such  things  as  are  revealed  in  the 
Word;™  and  there  are  some  circumstances  concerning 
the  worship  of  God  and  government  of  the  Church,  com¬ 
mon  to  human  actions  and  societies,  which  are  to  be  or¬ 
dered  by  the  light  of  nature  and  Christian  prudence, 


you  into  all  truth  :  for  he  shall  not  speak  of  himself ;  but  whatsoever 
he  shall  hear,  that  shall  he  speak  :  and  he  will  show  you  things  to 
come.  He  shall  glorify  me  :  for  he  shall  receive  of  mine,  and  shall 
show  it  unto  you.  1  Cor.  ii.  10-12.  But  God  hath  revealed  them  unto 
us  by  his  Spirit:  for  the  Spirit  searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the  deep 
things  of  God.  For  what  man  knoweth  the  things  of  a  man,  save  the 
spirit  of  man  which  is  in  him  ?  even  so  the  things  of  God  knoweth  no 
man,  but  the  Spirit  of  God.  Now  vre  have  received,  not  the  spirit  of 
the  world,  but  the  Spirit  which  is  of  God ;  that  we  might  know  the 
things  that  are  freely  given  to  us  of  God. 

VI.  m  2  Tim.  iii.  15-17.  And  that  from  a  child  thou  hast  known  the 
holy  Scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation 
through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  All  Scripture  is  given  by  in¬ 
spiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correc¬ 
tion,  for  instruction  in  righteousness :  That  the  man  of  God  may  be 
perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works.  Gal.  i.  8.  But 
though  we,  or  an  angel  from  heaven,  preach  any  other  gospel  unto 
you  than  that  which  we  have  preached  unto  you,  let  him  be  ac¬ 
cursed.  2  Thess.  ii.  2.  That  ye  be  not  soon  shaken  in  mind,  or  be 
troubled,  neither  by  spirit,  nor  by  word,  nor  by  letter  as  from  us,  as 
uhat  the  day  of  Christ  is  at  hand. 

n  John  vi.  45.  It  is  written  in  the  prophets,  And  they  shall  be  all 
taught  of  God.  Every  man  therefore  that  hath  heard,  and  hath 
learned  of  the  Father,  cometh  unto  me.  1  Cor.  ii.  9,  10, 12.  But  as  it 
is  written,  Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered 
into  the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them 
that  love  him.  But  God  hath  revealed  them  unto  us  by  his  Spirit:  for 
the  Spirit  searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the  deep  things  of  God. — Nov/  we 
have  received,  not  the  spirit  of  the  world,  but  the  Spirit  which  is  of 
God*  that  we  might  know  the  things  that  are  freely  given  to  us  of 
God. 


14 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


[chap.  I. 


according  to  the  general  rules  of  the  Word,  which  are 
always  to  be  observed.  0 

VII.  All  things  in  Scripture  are  not  alike  plain  in 
themselves,  nor  alike  clear  unto  all ;  P  yet  those  things 
which  are  necessary  to  be  known,  believed,  and  observed, 
for  salvation,  are  so  clearly  propounded  and  opened  in 
some  place  of  Scripture  or  other,  that  not  only  the 
learned,  but  the  unlearned,  in  a  due  use  of  the  ordinary 
means,  may  attain  unto  a  sufficient  understanding  of 
them.  9 

VIII.  The  Old  Testament  in  Hebrew,  (which  was  the 
native  language  of  the  people  of  God  of  old,)  and  the 
New  Testament  in  Greek,  (which  at  the  time  of  the  writ¬ 
ing  of  it  was  most  generally  known  to  the  nations,)  being 
immediately  inspired  by  God,  and  by  his  singular  care 
and  providence  kept  pure  in  all  ages,  are  therefore 
authentical ; r  so  ^s  in  all  controversies  of  religion  the 
Church  is  finally  to  appeal  unto  them. s  But  because 
these  original  tongues  are  not  known  to  all  the  people 
of  God  who  have  right  unto  and  interest  in  the  Script- 


Cor.  xi.  13, 14.  Judge  in  yourselves :  Is  it  comely  that  a  woman 
pray  unto  God  uncovered  ?  Doth  not  even  nature  itself  teach  you, 
that  if  a  man  have  long  hair,  it  is  a  shame  unto  him  ?  1  Cor.  xiv.  26, 
40.  How  is  it  then,  brethren?  when  ye  come  together,  every  one  of 
you  hath  a  psalm,  hath  a  doctrine,  hath  a  tongue,  hath  a  revelation, 
hath  an  interpretation.  Let  all  things  be  done  unto  edifying— Let  all 
things  be  done  decently  and  in  order. 

VII.  p  2  Pet.  iii.  16.  As  also  in  all  his  epistles,  speaking  in  them  of 
these  things ;  in  which  are  some  things  hard  to  be  understood,  which 
they  that  are  unlearned  and  unstable  wrest,  as  they  do  also  the  other 
Scriptures,  unto  their  own  destruction. 

9  Psa.  cxix.  105,  130.  Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet,  and  a  light 
unto  my  path.— The  entrance  of  thy  words  giveth  light;  it  givetli 
understanding  unto  the  simple.  See  Acts  xvii.  11. 

VIII.  r  Matt.  v.  18.  For  verily  I  say  unto  you,  Till  heaven  and 
earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  in  no  wise  pass  from  the  law,  till 
all  be  fulfilled. 

-Isa.  viii.  20.  To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony  :  if  they  speak  not 
according  to  this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them.  Acts 
xv.  15.  And  to  this  agree  the  words  of  the  prophets.  John  v.  46.  For 
had  ye  believed  Moses,  ye  would  have  believed  me  :  for  he  wrote  of 
me. 


SECT.  X.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


15 


ures,  and  are  commanded,  in  the  fear  of  God,  to  read 
and  search  them,*  therefore  they  are  to  be  translated  into 
the  vulgar  language  of  every  nation  unto  which  they 
come, w  that  the  Word  of  God  dwelling  plentifully  in  all, 
they  may  worship  him  in  an  acceptable  manner, w  and, 
through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  Scriptures,  may 
have  hope. x 

IX.  The  infallible  rule  of  interpretation  of  Scripture  ic 
the  Scripture  itself ;  and  therefore,  when  there  is  a  ques¬ 
tion  about  the  true  and  full  sense  of  any  scripture,  (which 
is  not  manifold,  but  one,)  it  may  be  searched  and  known 
by  other  places  that  speak  more  clearly,  v 

X.  The  Supreme  Judge,  by  whom  all  controversies  of 


<2  Tim.  iii.  14, 15.  But  continue  thou  in  the  things  which  thou  hast 
learned  and  hast  been  assured  of,  knowing  of  whom  thou  hast 
learned  them;  And  that  from  a  child  thou  hast  known  the  holy 
Scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation  through 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  Acts  xvii.  11.  These  were  more  noble 
than  those  in  Thessalonica,  in  that  they  received  the  word  with  all 
readiness  of  mind,  and  searched  the  Scriptures  daily,  whether  those 
things  were  so. 

U1  Cor.  xiv.  6,  9, 11, 12,  24,  27,  28.  Now,  brethren,  if  I  come  unto  you 
speaking  with  tongues,  what  shall  I  profit  you,  except  I  shall  speak 
to  you  either  by  revelation,  or  by  knowledge,  or  by  prophesying,  or 
by  doctrine?— So  likewise  ye,  except  ye  utter  by  the  tongue  words 
easy  to  be  understood,  how  shall  it  be  known  what  is  spoken  ?  for  ye 
shall  speak  into  the  air.— Therefore  if  I  know  not  the  meaning  of  the 
voice,  I  shall  be  unto  him  that  speaketh  a  barbarian,  and  he  that 
speaketh  shall  he  a  barbarian  unto  me.  Even  so  ye,  forasmuch  as  ye 
are  zealous  of  spiritual  gifts,  seek  that  ye  may  excel  to  the  edifying 
of  the  church.— But  if  all  prophesy,  and  there  come  in  one  that 
believeth  not,  or  one  unlearned,  he  is  convinced  of  all,  he  is  judged 
of  all. — If  any  man  speak  in  an  unknown  tongue,  let  it  he  by  two,  or  at 
the  most  by  three,  and  that  by  course  ;  and  let  one  interpret.  But  if 
there  be  no  interpreter,  let  him  keep  silence  in  the  church  ;  and  let 
him  speak  to  himself,  and  to  God. 

w  Col.  iii.  16.  Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in  all  wis¬ 
dom  ;  teaching  and  admonishing  one  another  in  psalms,  and  hymns, 
and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your  hearts  to  the  Lord. 

*Rom.  xv.  4.  For  whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime  were 
written  for  our  learning,  that  we  through  patience  and  comfort  of 
the  Scripture  might  have  hope. 

IX.  y  Acts  xv.  15.  And  to  this  agree  the  words  of  the  prophets  ;  as 
it  is  written.  John  v.  46.  For  had  ye  believed  Moses,  ye  would  have 
believed  me :  for  he  wrote  of  me.  See  2  Pet.  i.  20,  21. 


16 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH .  [chap.  ii. 


religion  are  to  be  determined,  and  all  decrees  of  councils, 
opinions  of  ancient  writers,  doctrines  of  men,  and  private 
spirits,  are  to  be  examined,  and  in  whose  sentence  we  are 
to  rest,  can  be  no  other  but  the  Holy  Spirit  speaking  in 
the  Scripture.* 1  2 * * * 


CHAPTER  II. 

OF  GOD ,  AND  OF  THE  HOLY  TRINITY. 

I.  There  is  but  one  only a  living  and  true  God,& 
who  is  infinite  in  being  and  perfection, c  a  most  pure 
spirit, d  invisible,6  without  body,  parts,/  or  pas- 

X.  2  Matt.  xxii.  29,  31.  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Ye  do 
err,  not  knowing  the  Scriptures,  nor  the  power  of  God.— But  as  touch¬ 
ing  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  have  ye  :not  read  that  which  wrs 
spoken  unto  you  by  God?  Acts  xxviii.  25.  And  when  they  agree! 
not  among  themselves,  they  departed,  after  that  Paul  had  spoken 
one  word,  Well  spake  the  Holy  Ghost  by  Esaias  the  prophet  unto 
our  fathers.  Gal.  i.  10.  For  do  I  now  persuade  men,  or  God?  or  do  I 
seek  to  please  men?  for  if  I  yet  pleased  men,  I  should  not  be  the 
servant  of  Christ.  See  1  John  iv.  1-6. 

I.  a  Deut.  vi.  4.  Hear,  O  Israel:  The  Lord  our  God  is  one  Lord. 

1  Cor.  viii.  4,  6.  As  concerning  therefore  the  eating  of  those  things 

that  are  offered  in  sacrifice  unto  idols,  we  know  that  an  idol  is  noth¬ 

ing  in  the  world,  and  that  there  is  none  other  God  but  one. — But  to  us 

there  is  but  one  God,  the  Father,  of  whom  are  all  things,  and  we  in  him ; 

and  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  are  all  things,  and  we  by  him. 

&1  Thess.  i.  9.  Ye  turned  to  God  from  idols  to  serve  the  living  and 
true  God.  Jer.  x.  10.  But  the  Lord  is  the  true  God,  he  is  the  living 
God,  and  an  everlasting  King. 

e  Job  xi.  7-9.  Canst  thou  by  searching  find  out  God?  canst  thou 
find  out  the  Almighty  unto  perfection?  It  is  as  high  as  heaven; 
what  canst  thou  do?  deeper  than  hell ;  what  canst  thou  know?  The 
measure  thereof  is  longer  than  the  earth,  and  broader  than  the  sea. 
Job  xxvi.  14.  Lo,  these  are  parts  of  his  ways ;  but  how  little  a  portion 
is  heard  of  him  ?  but  the  thunder  of  his  power  who  can  understand  ? 

dJohn  iv.  24.  God  is  a  Spirit:  and  they  that  worship  him  must 
worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

« 1  Tim.  i.  17.  Now  unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  invisible,  the 
only  wise  God,  be  honor  and  glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 

/  Deut.  iv.  15, 16.  Take  ye  therefore  good  heed  unto  yourselves ;  for 
ye  saw  no  manner  of  similitude  on  the  day  that  the  Lord  spake  unto 
you  in  Horeb  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire;  Lest  ye  corrupt  yourselves , 
and  make  you  a  graven  image,  the  similitude  of  any  figure,  the  like- 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


17 


sions/  immutable,^  immense,2’  eternal, incomprehensible/ 
almighty ,m  most  wise, 71  most  holy,0  most  free,P  most  abso¬ 
lute,  Q  working  all  things  according  to  the  counsel  of  his 
own  immutable  and  most  righteous  will/  for  his  own  glory  ;* 

ness  of  male  or  female.  Luke  xxiv.  39.  Behold  my  hands  and  my 
feet,  that  it  is  I  myself :  handle  me,  and  see ;  for  a  spirit  hath  not 
flesh  and  bones,  as  ye  see  me  have.  See  John  iv.  24. 

9  Acts  xiv.  11,  15.  And  when  the  people  saw  what  Paul  had  done, 
they  lifted  up  their  voices,  saying  in  the  speech  of  Lycaonia,  The 
gods  are  come  down  to  us  in  the  likeness  of  men.— And  saying,  Sirs, 
why  do  ye  these  things?  We  also  are  men  of  like  passions  with  you, 
and  preach  unto  you  that  ye  should  turn  from  these  vanities  unto 
the  living  God,  which  made  heaven,  and  earth,  and  the  sea,  and  all 
things  that  are  therein. 

h  James  i.  17.  The  Father  of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  variableness, 
neither  shadow  of  turning.  Mai.  iii.  6.  For  I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not. 

*1  Kings  viii.  27.  But  will  God  indeed  dwell  on  the  earth  ?  Behold, 
the  heaven  and  heaven  of  heavens  cannot  contain  thee  ;  how  much 
less  this  house  that  I  have  builded  ?  Jer.  xxiii.  23,  24.  Am  I  a  God  at 
hand,  saith  the  Lord,  and  not  a  God  afar  off?  Can  any  hide  himself 
in  secret  places  that  I  shall  not  see  him  ?  saith  the  Lord.  Do  not  I  fill 
heaven  and  earth  ?  saith  the  Lord. 

*Psa.  xc.  2.  Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever  thou 
hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world,  even  from  everlasting  to  ever¬ 
lasting,  thou  art  God.  1  Tim.  i.  17.  Now  unto  the  King  eternal,  im¬ 
mortal,  invisible,  the  only  wise  God,  be  honor  and  glory  for  ever  and 
ever.  Amen. 

1  Psa.  cxlv.  3.  His  greatness  is  unsearchable. 

mGen.  xvii.  1.  I  am  the  Almighty  God ;  walk  before  me,  and  be 
thou  perfect.  See  Rev.  iv.  8. 

n  Rom.  xvi.  27.  To  God  only  wise,  be  glory  through  Jesus  Christ  for 
ever.  Amen. 

0  Isa.  vi.  3.  And  one  cried  unto  another,  and  said,  Holy,  holy,  holy,  is 
the  Lord  of  hosts  :  the  whole  earth  is  full  of  his  glory.  See  Rev.  iv.  8. 

J>Psa.  cxv.  3.  But  our  God  is  in  the  heavens  :  he  hath  done  what¬ 
soever  he  hath  pleased. 

9 Ex.  iii.  14.  And  God  said  unto  Moses,  I  am  that  i  am:  and  he 
said,  Thus  shalt  thou  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  I  am  hath  sent 
me  unto  you. 

rEph.  i.  11.  In  whom  also  we  have  obtained  an  inheritance,  being 
predestinated  according  ,  to  the  purpose  of  him  who  worketh  all 
tilings  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will. 

8  Prov.  xvi.  4.  The  Lord  hath  made  all  things  for^himself :  yea,  even 
the  wicked  for  the  day  of  evil.  Rom.  xi.  36.  For  of  him,  and  through 
him,  and  to  him,  are  all  things:  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.  Amen. 
Rev.  iv.  11.  Thou  art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive  glory  and  honor  and 
power  :  for  thou  hast  created  all  things,  and  for  thy  pleasure  they  are, 
and  were  created. 

2 


18 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH .  [chap.  n. 


most  loving/  gracious,  merciful,  long-suffering,  abundant 
in  goodness  and  truth,  forgiving  iniquity,  transgression, 
and  sin  ;u  the  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  seek  him 
and  withal  most  just  and  terrible  in  his  judgments, x  hating 
all  sin,?/  and  who  will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty.2 

II.  God  hath  all  life,a  glory,1 b  goodness,0  blessedness, d  in 
and  of  himself ;  and  is  alone  in  and  unto  himself  all-sufficient, 
not  standing  in  need  of  any  creatures  which  he  hath  made,0 


*1  John  iv.  8.  He  that  loveth  not,  knoweth  not  God;  for  God  is 
love.  John  iii.  16.  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only 
begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish 
but  have  everlasting  life. 

«  Ex.  xxxiv.  6,  7.  And  the  Lord  passed  by  before  him,  and  pro¬ 
claimed,  The  Lord,  The  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious,  long- 
sufferiug,  and  abundant  in  goodness  and  truth,  Keeping  mercy  for 
thousands,  forgiving  iniquity  and  transgression  and  sin,  and  thaft 
will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty. 

w  Heb.  xi.  6.  For  he  that  cometh  to  God  must  believe  that  he  is, 
and  that  he  is  a  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  seek  him. 

*Neh.  ix.  32,  33.  Now  therefore,  our  Godt  the  great,  the  mighty, 
and  the  terrible  God,  who  keepest  covenant  and  mercy,  let  not  all 
the  trouble  seem  little  before  thee,  that  hath  come  upon  us,  on  out 
kings,  on  our  princes,  and  on  our  priests,  and  on  our  prophets,  and 
on  our  fathers,  and  on  all  thy  people,  since  the  time  of  the  kings 
of  Assyria  unto  this  day.  Howbeit  thou  art  just  in  all  that  is 
brought  upon  us  ;  for  thou  hast  done  right,  but  we  have  done 
wickedly.  See  Heb.  x.  28-31. 

I'Psa.  v.  5,  6.  The  foolish  shall  not  stand  in  thy  sight:  thou 
hatest  all  workers  of  iniquity.  Thou  shalt  destroy  them  that  speak 
leasing:  the  Lord  will  abhor  the  bloody  and  deceitful  man. 

*  Nahum  i.  2,  3.  God  is  jealous,  and  the  Lord  revengetli ;  the  Lord 
revengeth,  and  is  furious;  the  Lord  will  take  vengeance  on  his  ad¬ 
versaries,  and  he  reserveth  wrath  for  his  enemies.  The  Lord  is  slow 
to  anger,  and  great  in  power,  and  will  not  at  all  acquit  the  wicked,  % 
See  Ex.  xxxiv.  7. 

II.  a  John  v.  26.  For  as  the  Father  hath  life  in  himself,  so  hath  he 
given  to  the  Son  to  have  life  in  himself. 

6 Acts  vii.  2.  And  he  said,  Men,  brethren,  and  fathers,  hearken; 
The  God  of  glory  appeared  unto  our  father  Abraham,  when  he  was 
in  Mesopotamia,  before  he  dwelt  in  Charran. 

•  Psa.  cxix.  68.  Thou  art  good,  and  doest  good :  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

d  1  Tim.  vi.  15.  Which  in  his  times  he  shall  show,  who  is  the  blessed 

and  only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords.  Rom.  ix. 

5.  Who  is  over  all,  God  blessed  for  ever.  Amen. 

«  Acts  xvii.  24,  25.  God  that  made  the  world,  and  all  things  therein, 
seeing  that  he  is  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth  not  in  temples 


SECT.  II.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


19 


nor  deriving  any  glory  from  them,/  but  only  mani¬ 
festing  his  own  glory  in,  by,  unto,  and  upon  them  :  he  is 
the  alone  fountain  of  all  being,  of  whom,  through  whom, 
and  to  whom,  are  all  things ;  9  and  hath  most  sovereign 
dominion  over  them,  to  do  by  them,  for  them,  and  upon 
them,  whatsoever  himself  pleaseth/7  In  his  sight  all 
things  are  open  and  manifest ;*  i  his  knowledge  is  infinite, 
infallible,  and  independent  upon  the  creature, ^  so  as  noth- 
ing  is  to  him  contingent  or  uncertain/  He  is  most  holy 
in  all  his  counsels,  in  all  his  works,  and  in  all  his  com- 
mands.m  To  him  is  due  from  angels  and  men,  and  every 
other  creature,  whatsoever  worship,  service,  or  obedience, 
he  is  pleased  to  require  of  them.71 

made  with  hands ;  Neither  is  worshiped  with  men’s  hands,  as  though 
he  needed  anything,  seeing  he  giveth  to  all  life,  and  breath,  and  all 
things. 

/Psa.  1.  12.  If  I  were  hungry,  I  would  not  tell  thee :  for  the  world 
is  mine,  and  the  fullness  thereof.  See  Isa.  xl.  12-17. 

? Rom-  xi.  36.  For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him,  are  all 
things :  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.  Amen. 

h  Rev.  iv.  11.  Thou  art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive  glory,  and  honor, 
and  power:  for  thou  hast  created  all  things,  and  for  thy  pleasure 
they  are,  and  were  created.  Dan.  iv.  25,  35.  The  Most  High  ruleth 
in  the  kingdom  of  men,  and  giveth  it  to  whomsoever  he  will. — 
And  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  are  reputed  as  nothing:  and 
he  doeth  according  to  his  will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among 
the  inhabitants  of  the  earth :  and  none  can  stay  his  hand,  or  say 
unto  him,  What  doest  thou?  See  1  Tim.  vi.  15. 

*Heb.  iv.  13.  Neither  is  there  any  creature  that  is  not  manifest  in 
his  sight :  but  all  things  are  naked  and  opened  unto  the  eyes  of  him 
with  whom  we  have  to  do. 

lRom.  xi.  33,  34.  O  the  depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the  wisdom  and 
knowledge  of  God!  how  unsearchable  are  his  judgments,  and  his 
ways  past  finding  out!  For  who  hath  known  the  mind  of  the  Lord? 
or  who  hath  been  his  counselor?  Ps.  cxlvii.  5.  Great  is  our  Lord, 
and  of  great  power:  his  understanding  is  infinite. 

1  Acts.  xv.  18.  Known  unto  God  are  all  his  works  from  the  begin¬ 
ning  of  the  world.  Prov.  xv.  3.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  in  every 
place,  beholding  the  evil  and  the  good. 

m  Psa.  cxlv.  17.  The  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  wrays,  and  holy  in 
all  his  works.  Rom.  vii.  12.  Wherefore  the  law  is  holy,  and  the  com¬ 
mandment  holy,  and  just,  and  good. 

nRev.  v.  12-14.  Saying  with  a  loud  voice,  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that 
was  slain  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength, 
and  honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing.  And  every  creature  which  is  in 


20 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  tit. 


III.  In  the  unity  of  the  Godhead  there  be  three  persons 
of  one  substance,  power,  and  eternity;  God  the  Father, 
God  the  Son,  and  God  the  Holy  Ghost.0  The  Father  is 
of  none,  neither  begotten  nor  proceeding  ;  the  Son  is  eter¬ 
nally  begotten  of  the  Father  ;P  the  Holy  Ghost  eternally 
proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the  Son.9 


CHAPTER  III* 

OF  GOD'S  ETERNAL  DECREE. 

I.  God  from  all  eternity  did  by  the  most  wise  and  holy 
counsel  of  his  own  will,  freely  and  unchangeably  ordain 
whatsoever  comes  to  pass:a  yet  so  as  thereby  neither  is 

heaven,  and  on  the  earth,  and  under  the  earth,  and  such  as  are  in  the 
sea,  and  all  that  are  in  them,  heard  I  saying,  Blessing,  and  honor, 
and  glory,  and  power,  be  unto  him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and 
unto  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.  And  the  four  beasts  said,  Amen. 
And  the  four  and  twenty  elders  fell  down  and  worshiped  him  that 
liveth  for  ever  and  ever. 

III. 0  Matt.  iii.  16,  17.  And  Jesus,  when  he  was  baptized,  went  up 
straightway  out  of  the  water:  and  lo,  the  heavens  were  opened  unto 
him,  and  he  saw  the  Spirit  of  God  descending  like  a  dove,  and  light¬ 
ing  upon  him:  And  lo,  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying,  This  is  my  be¬ 
loved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased.  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye 
therefore  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  The 
grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  com¬ 
munion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all.  Amen.  See  Eph.  ii.  18. 

v  John  i.  14,  18.  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us, 
(and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the 
Father,)  full  of  grace  and  truth.— No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time; 
the  only  begotten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  he  hath 
declared  him.  See  Heb.  i.  2-6;  Col.  i.  15-17. 

9  John  xv.  26.  But  when  the  Comforter  is  come,  whom  I  will  send 
unto  you  from  the  Father,  even  the  Spirit  of  truth,  which  proceedeth 
from  the  Father,  he  shall  testify  of  me.  Gal.  iv.  6.  And  because  ye 
are  sons,  God  hath  sent  forth  the  Spirit  of  his  Son  into  your  hearts, 
crying,  Abba,  Father. 

I.  «Isa.  xlv.  6,  7.  I  am  the  Lord,  and  there  is  none  else.  I  form  the 
light,  and  create  darkness :  I  make  peace,  and  create  evil :  I  the  Loud 
do  all  these  th inns.  Eph.  i.  11.  In  whom  also  we  have  obtained  an 
inheritance,  being  predestinated  according  to  the  purpose  of  him 

*  See  Declaratory  Statement,  p.  1385. 


SECT.  II.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


21 


God  the  author  of  sin,* * * * * &  nor  is  violence  offered  to  the  will 
of  the  creatures,  nor  is  the  liberty  or  contingency  of 
second  causes  taken  away,  but  rather  established. c 

II.  Although  God  knows  whatsoever  may  or  can  come 
to  pass  upon  all  supposed  conditions ; d  yet  hath  he  not 

who  worketh  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will.  Rom.  xi, 

33.  O  the  depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of 

Tod !  how  unsearchable  are  his  judgments,  and  his  ways  past  finding 

out !  Heb.  vi.  17.  Wherein  God,  willing  more  abundantly  to  show 

unto  the  heirs  of  promise  the  immutability  of  his  counsel,  confirmed 
it  by  an  oath. 

6  Psa.  v.  4.  For  thou  art  not  a  God  that  hath  pleasure  in  wicked¬ 
ness:  neither  shall  evil  dwell  with  thee.  Jas.  i.  13, 14.  Let  no  man 
say  when  he  is  tempted,  I  am  tempted  of  God:  for  God  cannot  be 
tempted  with  evil,  neither  tempteth  he  any  man :  But  every  man 
is  tempted,  when  he  is  drawn  away  of  his  own  lust,  and  enticed. 
1  John  i.  5.  This  then  is  the  message  which  we  have  heard  of  him, 
and  declare  unto  you,  that  God  is  light,  and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at 
all. 

c  Matt.  xvii.  12.  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  Elias  is  come  already, 
and  they  knew  him  not,  but  have  done  unto  him  whatsoever  they 
listed.  Likewise  shall  also  the  Son  of  man  suffer  of  them.  John  xix. 
11.  Jesus  answered,  Thou  couldest  have  no  power  at  all  against  me, 
except  it  were  given  thee  from  above.  Acts  ii.  23.  Him,  being  deliv¬ 
ered  by  the  determinate  counsel  and  foreknowledge  of  God,  ye  have 
taken,  and  by  wicked  hands  have  crucified  and  slain.  Acts  iv.  27,  28. 
For  of  a  truth  against  thy  holy  child  Jesus,  whom  thou  hast  anointed, 
both  Herod,  and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles,  and  the  people  of 
Israel,  were  gathered  together,  For  to  do  whatsoever  thy  hand  and 
thy  counsel  determined  before  to  be  done.  Acts  xxvii.  23,  24,  34.  For 
there  stood  by  me  this  night  the  angel  of  God,  whose  I  am,  and  whom 
I  serve,  Saying,  Fear  not,  Paul ;  thou  must  be  brought  before  Caesar : 
and,  lo,  God  hath  given  thee  all  them  that  sail  with  thee.— Wherefore 
I  pray  you  to  take  some  meat ;  for  this  is  for  your  health :  for  there 
shall  not  a  hair  fall  from  the  head  of  any  of  you. 

II.  d  Acts  xv.  18.  Known  unto  God  are  all  his  works  from  the  be¬ 
ginning  of  the  world.  Prov.  xvi.  33.  The  lot  is  cast  into  the  lap ;  but 
the  whole  disposing  thereof  is  of  the  Lord.  1  Sam.  xxiii.  11, 12.  Will 
the  men  of  Keilah  deliver  me  up  into  his  hand?  will  Saul  come 
down,  as  thy  servant  hath  heard  ?  O  Lord  God  of  Israel,  I  beseech 
thee,  tell  thy  servant.  And  the  Lord  said,  He  will  come  down.  Then 
said  David,  Will  the  men  of  Keilah  deliver  me  and  my  men  into  the 
hand  of  Saul?  And  the  Lord  said,  They  will  deliver  thee  up.  Matt, 
xi.  21,  23.  Woe  unto  thee,  Chorazin  !  woe  unto  thee,  Bethsaida!  for 
if  the  mighty  works  which  were  done  in  you  had  been  done  in  Tyre 
and  Sidon,  they  would  have  repented  long  ago  in  sackcloth  and 
ashes.— And  thou,  Capernaum,  which  art  exaUed  unto  heaven,  shalt 
be  brought  down  to  hell ;  for  if  the  mighty  works  which  have  been 


22 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  in. 


decreed  any  thing  because  lie  foresaw  it  as  future,  or  as 
that  which  would  come  to  pass  upon  such  conditions.6 

III.  By  the  decree  of  God,  ior  the  manifestation  of  his 
glory,  some  men  and  angels/  are  predestinated  unto  ever¬ 
lasting  life,  and  others  fore-ordained  to  everlasting  death.  0 

IV.  These  angels  and  men,  thus  predestinated  and  fore¬ 
ordained,  are  particularly  and  unchangeably  designed : 
and  their  number  is  so  certain  and  definite  that  it  cannot 
be  either  increased  or  diminished.^ 


done  in  thee  had  been  done  in  Sodom,  it  would  have  remained  until 
this  day. 

•  Rom.  ix.  11, 13, 15, 16, 18.  (For  the  children  being  not  yet  born, 
neither  having  done  any  good  or  evil,  that  the  purpose  of  God  accord¬ 
ing  to  election  might  stand,  not  of  works,  but  of  him  that  calleth  ;)— 
As  it  is  written,  Jacob  have  I  loved,  but  Esau  have  I  hated.— For  he 
saith  to  Moses,  I  will  have  mercy  on  whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  1 
will  have  compassion  on  whom  I  will  have  compassion.  'So  then  it  is 
not  of  him  that  willeth,  nor  of  him  that  runneth,  but  of  God  that 
showeth  mercy.— Therefore  hath  he  mercy  on  whom  he  will  have 
mercy ,  and  whom  he  will  he  liardenetli. 

III.  /i  Tim.  v.  21.  I  charge  thee  before  God,  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  the  elect  angels.  Mark  viii.  38.  When  he  cometh  in  the 
glory  of  his  Father  with  the  holy  angels.  Jude  6.  And  the  angels 
which  kept  not  their  first  estate,  but  left  their  own  habitation,  he 
hath  reserved  in  everlasting  chains  under  darkness  unto  the  judg¬ 
ment  of  the  great  day.  Matt.  xxv.  31,  41.  When  the  Son  of  man 
shall  come  in  his  glory,  and  all  the  holy  angels  with  him,  then  shall 
he  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his  glory.— Then  shall  he  say  also  unto 
them  on  the  left  hand,  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting 
fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels. 

tfProv.  xvi.  4.  The  Lord  hath  made  all  things  for  himself:  yea, 
even  the  wicked  for  the  day  of  evil.  Rom.  ix.  22,  23.  What  if  God, 
willing  to  show  his’  wrath,  and  to  make  his  power  known,  endured 
with  much  longsuffering  the  vessels  of  wrath  fitted  to  destruction : 
And  that  he  might  make  known  the  riches  of  his  glory  on  the  vessels 
)f  mercy,  which  he  had  afore  prepared  unto  glory?  Eph.i.  5,  6. 
Having  predestinated  us  unto  the  adoption  of  children  by  Jesus 
Christ  to  himself,  according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will,  To  the 
praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he  hath  made  us  accepted 
in  the  beloved. 

IV.  A  John  x.  14-16,  27,  28.  I  am  the  good  shepherd,  and  know  my 
shtrji,  and  am  known  of  mine.  As  the  Father  knoweth  me,  even  so 
know  I  the  Father :  and  I  lay  down  my  life  for  the  sheep.  And  other 
sheep  I  have,  which  are  not  of  this  fold :  them  also  I  must  bring,  and 
they  shall  hear  my  voice :  and  there  shall  be  one  fold,  and  one  shep¬ 
herd.— My  sheep  hear  my  voice,  and  I  know  them,  and  they  follow 


sect,  vi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


23 


V.  Those  of  mankind  that  are  predestinated  unto  life, 
God,  before  the  foundation  of  the  world  was  laid,  accord¬ 
ing  to  his  eternal  and  immutable  purpose,  and  the  secret 
counsel  and  good  pleasure  of  his  will,  hath  chosen  in 
Christ,  unto  everlasting  glory/  out  of  his  mere  free  grace 
and  love,  without  any  foresight  of  faith  or  good  works,  or 
perseverance  in  either  of  them,  or  any  other  thing  in  the 
creature,  as  conditions,  or  causes  moving  him  thereunto ; k 
and  all  to  the  praise  of  his  glorious  grace. 1 

VI.  As  God  hath  appointed  the  elect  unto  glory,  so  hath 
he,  by  the  eternal  and  most  free  purpose  of  his  will,  fore- 


me  :  And  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life ;  and  they  shall  never  perish, 
neither  shall  any  man  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand.  John  xiii.  18.  I 
speak  not  of  you  all:  I  know  whom  I  have  chosen:  but  that  the 
Scripture  may  be  fulfilled,  He  that  eateth  bread  with  me  hath  lifted 
up  his  heel  against  me.  See  John  xvii.  2,  6,  9-12 ;  2  Tim.  ii.  19. 

V. *  *Eph.  i.  4,  9, 11.  According  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him,  before 
the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we  should  be  holy  and  without 
blame  before  him  in  love ; — Having  made  known  unto  us  the  mystery 
of  his  will,  according  to  his  good  pleasure,  which  he  hath  purposed 
in  himself.— In  whom  also  we  have  obtained  an  inheritance,  being 
predestinated  according  to  the  purpose  of  him  who  worketh  all 
things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will.  Rom.  viii.  30.  Moreover 
whom  he  did  predestinate,  them  he  also  called ;  and  whom  he  called, 
them  he  also  justified ;  and  whom  he  justified,  them  he  also  glorified. 
2  Tim.  i.  9.  Who  hath  saved  us,  and  called  us  with  a  holy  calling, 
not  according  to  our  works,  but  according  to  his  own  purpose  and 
grace,  which  was  given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began. 
1  Thess.  v.  9.  For  God  hath  not  appointed  us  to  wrath,  but  to  obtain 
salvation  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

*Rom.  ix.  11,  13, 15, 16.  (For  the  children  being  not  yet  born,  neither 
having  done  any  good  or  evil,  that  the  purpose  of  God  according  to 
election  might  stand,  not  of  works,  but  of  him  that  calleth  ;)—  As  it 
is  written,  Jacob  have  I  loved,  but  Esau  have  I  hated.— For  be  saith 
to  Moses,  I  will  have  mercy  on  whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I  will 
have  compassion  on  whom  I  will  have  compassion.  So  then  it  is  not 
of  him  that  willeth,  nor  of  him  that  runneth,  but  of  God  that  show- 
eth  mercy.  Eph.  i.  9.  Having  made  known  unto  us  the  mystery  of 
his  will,  according  to  his  good  pleasure  which  he  hath  purposed  in 
himself.  Eph.  ii.  8,  9.  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith  ;  and 
that  not  of  yourselves :  it  is  the  gift  of  God :  Not  of  works,  lest  any 
man  should  boast. 

1  Eph.  i.  6,  12.  To  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he 
hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved.— That  we  should  be  to  the 
praise  of  his  glory,  who  first  trusted  in  Christ. 


24 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap,  iil 


ordained  all  the  means  thereunto. m  Wherefore  they  who 
are  elected  being  fallen  in  Adam,  are  redeemed  by  Christ,71 
are  effectually  called  unto  faith  in  Christ  oy  his  Spirit 
working  in  due  season  ;  are  justified,  adopted,  sanctified,0 
and  kept  by  his  power  through  faith  unto  salvation.^ 
Neither  are  any  other  redeemed  by  Christ,  effectually 
called,  justified,  adopted,  sanctified,  and  saved,  but  the 
alect  only.  Q 

VI.  m  1  Pet.  i.  2.  Elect  according  to  the  foreknowledge  of  God  the 
Father,  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  unto  obedience  and 
sprinkling  of  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ :  Grace  unto  you,  and  peace, 
be  multiplied.  Eph.  i.  4.  According  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him  be¬ 
fore  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we  should  be  holy  and  without 
blame  before  him  in  love.  Eph.  ii.  10.  For  we  are  his  workmanship, 
created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works,  which  God  hath  before 
ordained  that  we  should  walk  in  them.  2  Thess.  ii.  13.  But  we  are 
bound  to  give  thanks  alway  to  God  for  you,  brethren  beloved  of  the 
Lord,  because  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  you  to  salvation, 
through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  and  belief  of  the  truth. 

n  1  Thess.  v.  9,  10.  For  God  hath  not  appointed  us  to  wrath,  but  to 
obtain  salvation  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Who  died  for  us,  that, 
whether  we  wake  or  sleep,  we  should  live  together  with  him.  Tit.  ii. 
14.  Who  gave  himself  for  us,  that  he  might  redeem  us  from  all 
iniquity,  and  purify  unto  himself  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good 
works. 

0  Rom.  viii.  30.  Moreover,  whom  he  did  predestinate,  them  he  alro 
called :  and  whom  he  called,  them  he  also  justified :  and  whom  he 
justified,  them  he  also  glorified.  Eph.  i.  5.  Having  predestinated  us 
unto  the  adoption  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  according 
to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will.  2  Thess.  ii.  13.  But  we  are  bound  to 
give  thanks  always  to  God  for  you,  brethren  beloved  of  the  Lord, 
because  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  you  to  salvation 
through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth. 

p  1  Pet.  i.  5.  Who  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God  through  faith  unto 
salvation  ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  last  time. 

9 John  xvii.  9.  I  pray  for  them:  I  pray  not  for  the  world,  but  for 
them  which  thou  hast  given  me;  for  they  are  thine.  Rom.  viii.  28. 
And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that 
love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpose,  etc.  [to 
the  end  of  the  chapter.]  John  vi.  G4,  65.  But  there  are  some  of  you 
that  believe  not.  For  Jesus  knew  from  the  beginning  who  they  were 
that  believed  not,  and  who  should  betray  him.  And  he  said,  There¬ 
fore  said  I  unto  you,  that  no  man  can  come  unto  me  except  it  were 
given  unto  him  of  my  Father.  See  John  viii.  47 ;  x.  26.  1  John  ii.  19. 
They  went  out  from  us,  but  they  were  not  of  us;  for  if  they  had  been 
of  us,  they  would  no  doubt  have  continued  with  us  :  but  they  went  out, 
that  they  might  be  made  manifest  that  they  were  not  all  of  us. 


sect. -viii.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


25 


VII.  The  rest  of  mankind,  God  was  pleased,  according 
to  the  unsearchable  counsel  of  his  own  will,  whereby  he 
extendeth  or  withholdeth  mercy  as  he  pleaseth,  for  the 
glory  of  his  sovereign  power  over  his  creatures,  to  pass  by, 
and  to  ordain  them  to  dishonor  and  wrath  for  their  sin, 
to  the  praise  of  his  glorious  justice/ 

VIII.  The  doctrine  of  this  high  mystery  of  predestina¬ 
tion  is  to  be  handled  with  special  prudence  and  care,s  that 
men  attending  the  will  of  God  revealed  in  his  Word,  and 
yielding  obedience  thereunto,  may,  from  the  certainty  of 
their  effectual  vocation,  be  assured  of  their  eternal  elec- 
tion.^  So  shall  this  doctrine  afford  matter  of  praise,  rev¬ 
erence,  and  admiration  of  God ; u  and  of  humility,  dili- 

VII.  r  Matt.  xi.  25,  26.  At  that  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  I  thank 
thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid 
these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto 
babes.  Even  so,  Father,  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy  sight.  Rom.  ix. 
17,  18,  21,  22.  For  the  Scripture  saith  unto  Pharaoh,  Even  for  this 
same  purpose  have  I  raised  thee  up,  that  I  might  show  my  power  in 
thee,  and  that  my  name  might  be  declared  throughout  all  the  earth. 
Therefore  hath  he  mercy,  etc.— Hath  not  the  potter  power  over  the 
clay,  of  the  same  lump  to  make  one  vessel  unto  honor,  and  another 
unto  dishonor?  What  if  God,  willing  to  show  his  wrath,  and  to 
make  his  power  known,  endured  with  much  long-suffering  the  vessels 
of  wrath  fitted  to  destruction.  2  Tim.  ii.  20.  But  in  a  great  house 
there  are  not  only  vessels  of  gold  and  of  silver,  but  also  of  wood  and 
of  earth ;  and  some  to  honor,  and  some  to  dishonor.  Jude  4.  For 
there  are  certain  men  crept  in  unawares,  who  were  before  of  old  or¬ 
dained  to  this  condemnation;  ungodly  men,  turning  the  grace  of  our 
God  into  lasciviousness,  and  denying  the  only  Lord  God,  and  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  1  Pet.  ii.  8— being  disobedient;  whereunto  also 
they  were  appointed. 

VIII.  8  Rom.  ix.  20.  Nay  but,  O  man,  who  art  thou  that  repliest 
against  God?  Shall  the  thing  formed  say  to  him  that  formed#,  Why 
hast  thou  made  me  thus?  Rom.  xi.  33.  O  the  depth  of  the  riches 
both  of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God!  how  unsearchable  are 
his  judgments,  and  his  ways  past  finding  out !  Deut.  xxix.  29.  The 
secret  things  belong  unto  the  Lord  our  God  :  but  those  things  which  are 
revealed  belong  unto  us  and  to  our  children  for  ever,  that  we  may 
do  all  the  words  of  this  law. 

*2  Pet.  i.  10.  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give  diligence  to 
make  your  calling  and  election  sure :  for  if  ye  do  these  things,  ye 
shall  never  fall. 

u  Eph.  i.  6.  To  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he  hath 
made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved. 


26 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  iv. 


gence,  and  abundant  consolation,  to  all  that  sincerely 
obey  the  gospel.™ 


CHAPTER  IV. 

OF  CREATION. 

I.  It  pleased  God  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, a  for 
the  manifestation  of  the  glory  of  his  eternal  power,  wis¬ 
dom,  and  goodness,5  in  the  beginning,  to  create,  or  make  of 
nothing,  the  world,  and  all  things  therein,  whether  visible 
or  invisible,  in  the  space  of  six  days,  and  all  very  good.c 


wRom.  xi.  5,  6,  20.  Even  so  then  at  this  present  time  also  there  is  a 
remnant  according  to  the  election  of  grace.  And  if  by  grace,  then 
is  it  no  more  of  works:  otherwise  grace  is  no  more  grace.  But  if 
it  be  of  works,  then  is  it  no  more  grace :  otherwise  work  is  no  more 
work.— Well;  because  of  unbelief  they  were  broken  off,  and  thou 
standest  by  faith.  Be  not  highminded,  but  fear.  Rom.  viii.  33.  Who 
shall  lay  anything  to  the  charge  of  God’s  elect  ?  It  is  God  that 
justifieth.  Luke  x.  20.  Notwithstanding,  in  this  rejoice  not,  that  the 
spirits  are  subject  unto  you  ;  but  rather  rejoice,  because  your  names 
are  written  in  heaven. 

I.  aRom.  xi.  36.  For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him,  are  all 
things :  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.  Amen.  1  Cor.  viii.  6.  But  to  us 
there  is  but  one  God,  the  Father,  of  whom  arc  all  things,  and  we  in 
him ;  and  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  are  all  things,  and  we  by 
him.  Heb.  i.  2.  Hath  in  these  last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his  Son, 
whom  he  hath  appointed  heir  of  all  things,  by  whom  also  he  made 
the  worlds.  John  i.  2,  3.  The  same  was  in  the  beginning  with  God. 
All  things  were  made  by  him ;  and  without  him  was  not  any  thing 
made  that  was  made.  Gen.  i.  2.  And  the  Spirit  of  God  moved  upon 
the  face  of  the  waters. 

b  Rom.  i.  20.  For  the  invisible  things  of  him  from  the  creation  of 
the  world  are  clearly  seen,  being  understood  by  the  things  that  are 
made,  even  his  eternal  power  and  Godhead;  so  that  they  are  without 
excuse.  Psa.  civ.  24.  O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works !  in  wis¬ 
dom  hast  thou  made  them  all :  the  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches.  Jer.  x. 
12.  He  hath  made  the  earth  by  his  power,  he  hath  established  the 
world  by  his  wisdom,  and  hath  stretched  out  the  heavens  by  his  dis¬ 
cretion. 

«Gen.  i.  throughout.  Acts  xvii.  24.  God  that  made  the  world  and 
all  things  therein,  seeing  that  he  is  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  dwell- 
eth  not  in  temples  made  with  hands.  Col.  i.  16.  For  by  him  were 


SECT.  II.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


27 


II.  After  God  had  made  all  other  creatures,  he  created 
man,  male  and  female, ^  with  reasonable  and  immortal 
souls,6  endued  with  knowledge,  righteousness,  and  true 
holiness,  after  his  own  image,/  having  the  law  of  God 
written  in  their  hearts, £  and  power  to  fulfil  it  ;h  and  yet 
under  a  possibility  of  transgressing,  being  left  to  the  lib¬ 
erty  of  their  own  will,  which  was  subject  unto  change/ 
Besides  this  law  written  in  their  hearts,  they  received  a 
command  not  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good 
and  evil ;  which  while  they  kept  they  were  happy  in  their 


all  things  created,  that  are  in  heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth,  visible 
and  invisible,  whether  they  be  thrones,  or  dominions,  or  principalities, 
or  powers  :  all  things  were  created  by  him,  and  for  him.  Ex.  xx.  11. 
For  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all 
that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day :  wherefore  the  Lord 
blessed  the  sabbath  day,  and  hallowed  it.  Gen.  i.  31.  God  saw  every 
thing  that  he  had  made,  and,  behold,  it  was  very  good.  See  Psa. 
xxxiii.  5,  6. 

II.  dGen.  i.  27.  So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  image 
of  God  created  he  him ;  male  and  female  created  he  them. 

«Gen.  ii.  7.  And  the  Lord  God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of  the 
ground,  and  breathed  into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life;  and  man 
became  a  living  soul.  Psa.  viii.  5.  For  thou  hast  made  him  a  little 
lower  than  the  angels,  and  hast  crowned  him  with  glory  and  honor. 
Eccl.  xii.  7.  Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was :  and 
the  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it.  Matt.  x.  28.  And  fear 
not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but  are  not  able  to  kill  the  soul :  but 
rather  fear  him  which  is  able  to  destroy  both  soul  and  body  in 
hell. 

/Gen.  i.  26.  And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,  after 
our  likeness. 

^  Rom.  ii.  14,  15.  For  when  the  Gentiles,  which  have  not  the  law, 
do  by  nature  the  things  contained  in  the  law,  these  having  not  the 
law,  are  a  law  unto  themselves :  Which  show  the  work  of  the  law 
written  in  their  hearts,  their  conscience  also  bearing  witness,  and 
their  thoughts  the  mean  while  accusing,  or  else  excusing  one 
another. 

*Col.  iii.  10.  And  have  put  on  the  new  man ,  which  is  renewed  in 
knowledge  after  the  image  of  him  that  created  him.  Eph.  iv.  24. 
And  that  ye  put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is  created  in  right¬ 
eousness  and  true  holiness. 

‘Gen.  iii.  6.  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was  good  for 
food,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired  to 
make  one  wise,  she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat,  and  gave 
also  unto  her  husbandywith  her;  and  he  did  eat. 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


[chap.  y. 


communibn  with  God/  and  had  dominion  over  the  creat¬ 
ures.* * 


CHAPTER  V. 

OF  PROVIDENCE. 

I.  God,  the  great  Creator  of  all  things,  doth  uphold,0 
direct,  dispose,  and  govern  all  creatures,  actions,  and 
things/  from  the  greatest  even  to  the  least/  by  his  most 
wise  and  holy  providence/  according  to  his  infallible  fore- 


*Gen.  ii.  17.  But  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil, 
thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it :  for  in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou 
shalt  surely  die.  See  Gen.  iii. 

*Gen.  i.  28.  And  have  dominion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over 
the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  every  living  thing  that  moveth  upon 
the  earth.  See  Gen.  i.  29,  30;  Psa.  viii.  6-8. 

I.  «Xeh.  ix.  6.  Thou,  even  thou,  art  Lord  alone;  thou  hast  made 
heaven,  the  heaven  of  heavens,  with  all  their  host,  the  earth,  and  all 
things  that  are  therein,  the  seas,  and  all  that  is  therein,  and  thou  pre- 
servest  them  all ;  and  the  host  of  heaven  worshipeth  thee.  Psa.  cxlv. 
14-16.  The  Lord  upholdeth  all  that  foil,  and  raiseth  up  all  those  that 
he  bowed  down.  The  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee ;  and  thou  givest 
them  their  meat  in  due  season.  Thou  openest  thine  hand,  and  sat- 
isfiest  the  desire  of  every  living  thing. 

6  Dan.  iv.  34,  35.  I  blessed  the  Most  High,  and  I  praised  and  honored 
him  that  liveth  for  ever,  whose  dominion  is  an  everlasting  dominion, 
and  his  kingdom  is  from  generation  to  generation:  And  all  the  in¬ 
habitants  of  the  earth  are  reputed  as  nothing:  and  he  doeth  accord¬ 
ing  to  his  will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of 
the  earth  :  and  none  can  stay  his  hand,  or  say  unto  him,  What  doest 
thou?  Psa.  cxxxv.  6.  Whatsoever  the  Lord  pleased,  that  did  he  in 
heaven,  and  in  earth,  in  the  seas,  and  all  deep  places.  See  Acts  xvii. 
25,  26. 

c Matt.  x.  29-31.  Are  not  two  sparrows  sold  for  a  farthing?  and  one 
of  them  shall  not  fall  on  the  ground  without  your  Father.  But  the 
very  hairs  of  your  head  are  all  numbered.  Fear  ye  not  therefore,  ye 
arc  of  more  value  than  many  sparrows.  See  Matt.  vi.  26,  30. 

d  Prov.  xv.  3.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  arc  in  every  place,  beholding 
the  evil  and  the  good.  2  Chron.  xvi.  9.  For  the  eyes  of  the  Lord 
run  to  and  fro  throughout  the  whole  earth,  to  show  himself  strong 
in  the  behalf  of  them  whose  heart  is  perfect  toward  him.  See  Psa. 
civ.  24. 


SECT.  II.  ] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


29 


knowledge,6  and  the  free  and  immutable  counsel  of  his 
own  will,/ to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  wisdom,  power, 
justice,  goodness,  and  mercy. 9 
II.  Although,  in  relation  to  the  foreknowledge,  and  de¬ 
cree  of  God,  the  first  cause,  all  things  come  to  pass  immu¬ 
tably  and  infallibly,^  yet,  by  the  same  providence,  he  or- 
dereth  them  to  fall  out  according  to  the  nature  of  second 
causes,  either  necessarily,  freely,  or  contingently/ 


eActs  xv.  18.  Known  unto  God  are  all  his  works  from  the  begin¬ 
ning  of  the  world.  Psa.  xciv.  8-11.  Understand,  ye  brutish  among 
the  people  :  and  ye  fools,  when  will  ye  be  wise?  He  that  planted  the 
ear,  shall  he  not  hear?  he  that  formed  the  eye,  shall  he  not  see?  He 
that  chastiseth  the  heathen,  shall  not  he  correct?  he  that  teacheth 
man  knowledge,  shall  not  he  know  ?  The  Lord  knoweth  the  thoughts 
of  man,  that  they  are  vanity. 

/ Eph.  i.  11.  Who  worketh  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own 
will.  Psa.  xxxiii.  10,  11.  The  Lord  bringeth  the  counsel  of  the 
heathen  to  nought:  he  maketh  the  devices  of  the  people  of  none 
effect.  The  counsel  of  the  Lord  standeth  for  ever,  the  thoughts  of 
his  heart  to  all  generations. 

a  Eph.  iii.  10.  To  the  intent  that  now  unto  the  principalities  and 
powers  in  heavenly  places  might  be  known  by  the  church  the  mani¬ 
fold  wisdom  of  God.  Rom.  ix.  17.  For  the  Scripture  saith  unto  Pha¬ 
raoh,  Even  for  this  same  purpose  have  I  raised  thee  up,  that  I  might 
show  my  power  in  thee,  and  that  my  name  might  be  declared  through¬ 
out  all  the  earth.  Gen.  xlv.7.  And  God  sent  me  before  you  to  preserve 
you  a  posterity  in  the  earth,  and  to  save  your  lives  by  a  great  deliver¬ 
ance.  Psa.  cxlv.  7.  They  shall  abundantly  utter  the  memory  of  thy 
great  goodness,  and  shall  sing  of  thy  righteousness. 

II.  AJer.  xxxii.  19.  Thine  eyes  are  open  upon  all  the  ways  of  the 
sons  of  men,  to  give  every  one  according  to  his  ways,  and  according 
to  the  fruit  of  his  doings.  Acts.  ii.  23.  Him,  being  delivered  by  the 
determinate  counsel  and  foreknowledge  of  God,  ye  have  taken,  and 
by  wicked  hands  have  crucified  and  slain. 

fGen.  viii.  22.  While  the  earth  remaineth,  seedtime  and  harvest, 
and  cold  and  heat,  and  summer  and  winter,  and  day  and  night  shall 
not  cease.  Jer.  xxxi.  35.  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  which  giveth  the  sun 
for  a  light  by  day,  and  the  ordinances  of  the  moon  and  of  the  stars 
for  a  light  by  night,  which  divideth  the  sea  when  the  waves  thereof 
roar ;  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  his  name.  Isa.  x.  6,  7.  I  will  send  him 
against  a  hypocritical  nation,  and  against  the  people  of  my  wrath 
will  I  give  him  a  charge,  to  take  the  spoil,  and  to  take  the  prey,  and 
to  tread  them  down  like  the  mire  of  the  streets.  Howbeit  he  mean- 
eth  not  so,  neither  doth  his  heart  think  so;  but  it  is  in  his  heart  to 
destroy  and  cut  off  nations  not  a  few. 


30 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  v. 


III.  God,  in  liis  ordinary  providence,  maketh  use 
of  means, k  yet  is  free  to  work  without,*  1  above, m  and 
against  them,  at  his  pleasure.71 

IV.  The  almighty  power,  unsearchable  wisdom,  and  in¬ 
finite  goodness  of  God,  so  far  manifest  themselves  in  his 
providence,  that  it  extendeth  itself  even  to  the  first  fall, 
and  all  other  sins  of  angels  and  men,  0  and  that  not  by  a 


III.  *  Acts  xxvii.  24,  31.  Saying,  Fear  not,  Paul ;  thou  must  be 
brought  before  Ckesar :  and  lo,  God  hath  given  thee  all  them  that  sail 
with  thee.— Paul  said  to  the  centurion,  and  to  the  soldiers,  Except 
these  abide  in  the  ship,  ye  cannot  be  saved.  Isa.  lv.  10,  11.  For  as 
the  rain  cometh  down,  and  the  snow,  from  heaven,  and  returneth 
not  thither,  but  watereth  the  earth,  and  maketh  it  bring  forth  and 
bud,  that  it  may  give  seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread  to  the  eater:  So 
Shall  my  word  be  that  goeth  forth  out  of  my  mouth ;  it  shall  not 
return  unto  me  void,  but  it  shall  accomplish  that  which  I  please,  and 
it  shall  prosper  in  the  thing  whereto  I  sent  it. 

1  IIos.  i.  7.  But  I  will  have  mercy  upon  the  house  of  Judah,  and  I 
will  save  them  by  the  Lord  their  God,  and  will  not  save  them  by  bow, 
nor  by  sword,  nor  by  battle,  by  horses,  nor  by  horsemen. 

™Rom.  iv.  20,  21.  He  staggered  not  at  the  promise  of  God  through 
unbelief;  but  was  strong  in  faith,  giving  glory  to  God;  And  being 
fully  persuaded,  that  what  he  had  promised,  he  w  as  able  also  to  per^ 
form. 

n  Dan.  iii.  27.  And  the  princes,  governors,  and  captains,  and  the 
king’s  counselors,  being  gathered  together,  saw  these  men,  upon 
whose  bodies  the  fire  had  no  pow'er,  nor  was  an  hair  of  their  heads 
singed,  neither  wrere  their  coats  changed,  nor  the  smell  of  fire  had 
passed  on  them.  See  1  Kings  xviii.  17-39.  John  xi.  43-45.  And  when 
he  thus  had  spoken,  he  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  Lazarus,  come  forth. 
And  he  that  was  dead  came  forth,  bound  hand  and  foot  with  grave- 
clothes;  and  his  tace  was  bound  about  with  a  napkin.  Jesus  saith 
unto  them,  Loose  him,  and  let  him  go.  Then  many  of  the  Jew's 
which  came  to  Mary,  and  had  seen  the  things  which  Jesus  did, 
believed  on  him.  Rom.  i.  4.  And  declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with 
power,  according  to  the  Spirit  of  holiness,  by  the  resurrection  from 
the  dead. 

IV.  °Isa.  xlv.  7.  I  form  the  light,  and  create  darkness:  I  make 
peace,  and  create  evil ;  I  the  Lord  do  all  these  things.  Rom.  xi.  32-34. 
For  God  hath  concluded  them  all  in  unbelief,  that  he  might  have 
mercy  upon  all.  O  the  depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the  w  isdom  and 
knowledge  of  God  !  how  unsearchable  are  his  judgments,  and  his 
ways  past  finding  out !  For  who  hath  known  the  mind  of  the  Lord? 
or  who  hath  been  his  counselor?  Acts  iv.  27,28.  For  of  a  truth 
against  thy  holy  child  Jesus,  whom  thou  hast  anointed,  both  Herod, 
and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles,  and  the  people  of  Israel,  w'ere 


SECT.  V.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


31 


bare  permission,  but  sucli  as  hath  joined  .with  it  a  most 
wise  and  powerful  bounding,!* * * * * * * * 9  and  otherwise  ordering  and 
governing  of  them,  in  a  manifold  dispensation,  to  his  own 
holy  ends ;  Q  yet  so,  as  the  sinfulness  thereof  proceedeth 
only  from  the  creature,  and  not  from  God  ;  who  being 
most  holy  and  righteous,  neither  is,  nor  can  be  the  author 
or  approver  of  sin. r 

V.  The  most  wise,  righteous,  and  gracious  God  doth 
oftentimes  leave  for  a  season  his  own  children  to  manifold 
temptations,  and  the  corruption  of  their  own  hearts,  to 
chastise  them  for  their  former  sins,  or  to  discover  unto 
them  the  hidden  strength  of  corruption  and  deceitfulness 
of  their  hearts,  that  they  may  be  humbled  ; s  and  to  raise 

gathered  together,  For  to  do  whatsoever  thy  hand  and  thy  counsel 

determined  before  to  be  done. 

p  Psa.  lxxvi.  10.  Surely  the  wrath  of  man  shall  praise  thee :  the 

remainder  of  wrath  shalt  thou  restrain.  2  Kings  xix.  28.  Because 

thy  rage  against  me  and  thy  tumult  is  come  up  into  mine  ears,  there¬ 

fore  I  will  put  my  hook  in  thy  nose,  and  my  bridle  in  thy  lips,  and  I 

will  turn  thee  back  by  the  way  by  which  thou  earnest.  Acts  xiv.  16. 

Who  in  times  past  suffered  all  nations  to  walk  in  their  own  ways. 

9  Gen.  1.  20.  But  as  for  you,  ye  thought  evil  against  me ;  but  God 
meant  it  unto  good,  to  bring  to  pass,  as  it  is  this  day,  to  save  much 
people  alive.  Isa.  x.  12.  Wherefore  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that,  when 
the  Lord  hath  performed  his  whole  work  upon  mount  Zion  and  on 
Jerusalem,  I  will  punish  the  fruit  of  the  stout  heart  of  the  king  of 
Assyria,  and  the  glory  of  his  high  looks.  See  vv.  13-15. 

rl  John  ii.  16.  For  all  that  is  in  the  world,  the  lust  of  the  flesh, 
and  the  lust  of  the  eyes,  and  the  pride  of  life,  is  not  of  the  Father, 
but  is  of  the  world.  Psa.  1.  21.  These  things  hast  thou  done,  and  I 
kept  silence ;  thou  thoughtest  that  I  was  altogether  such  a  one  as  thy¬ 
self  :  but  I  will  reprove  thee,  and  set  them  in  order  before  thine  eyes. 
James  i.  17.  Every  good  gift  and  every  perfect  gift  is  from  above,  and 
cometh  down  from  the  Father  of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  variable¬ 
ness,  neither  shadow  of  turning. 

V. 8  2  Chron.  xxxii.  25,  26,  31.  But  Hezekiah  rendered  not  again 
according  to  the  benefit  done  unto  him ;  for  his  heart  was  lifted  up : 
therefore  there  was  wrath  upon  him,  and  upon  Judah  and  Jerusalem. 
Notwithstanding,  Hezekiah  humbled  himself  for  the  pride  of  his 
heart,  both  he  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  so  that  the  wrath  of 
the  Lord  came  not  upon  them  in  the  days  of  Hezekiah. — Howbeit,  in 
the  business  of  the  ambassadors  of  the  princes  of  Babylon,  who  sent 
unto  him  to  inquire  of  the  wonder  that  was  done  in  the  land,  God 
left  him,  to  try  him,  that  he  might  know  all  that  was  in  his  heart. 
2  Sam.  xxiv.  1,  25.  And  again  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 


32 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  v. 


them  to  a  more  close  and  constant  dependence  for  their 
support  upon  himself,  and  to  make  them  more  watchful 
against  all  future  occasions  of  sin,  and  for  sundry  other 
just  and  holy  ends.* 

YI.  As  for  those  wicked  and  ungodly  men,  whom  God 
as  a  righteous  judge,  for  former  sins,  doth  blind  and 
harden ,u  from  them  he  not  only  withholdeth  his  grace, 
whereby  they  might  have  been  enlightened  in  their  un¬ 
derstandings,  and  wrought  upon  in  their  hearts ; w  but 

against  Israel,  and  he  moved  David  against  them  to  say,  Go,  number 
Israel  and  Judah.— And  David  built  there  an  altar  unto  the  Lord, 
and  offered  burnt  offerings  and  peace  offerings.  So  the  Lord  was 
entreated  for  the  land,  and  the  plague  was  stayed  from  Israel.  Luke 
xxii.  31,  ?2.  And  the  Lord  said,  Simon,  Simon,  behold,  Satan  hath 
desired  to  have  you,  that  he  may  sift  you  as  wheat.  But  I  have  prayed 
for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not:  and  when  thou  art  converted, 
strengthen  thy  brethren. 

t  2  Cor.  xii.  7-9.  And  lest  1  should  be  exalted  above  measure 
through  the  abundance  of  the  revelations,  there  was  given  to  me  a 
thorn  in  the  flesh,  the  messenger  of  Satan  to  buffet  me,  lest  I  should 
be  exalted  above  measure.  For  this  thing  I  besought  the  Lord  thrice, 
that  it  might  depart  from  me.  And  he  said  unto  me,  My  grace  is 
sufficient  for  thee :  for  my  strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness. 
Most  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather  glory  in  my  infirmities,  that  the 
power  of  Christ  may  rest  upon  me.  See  Psa.  lxxiii.;  Psa.  lxxvii. 
1-12;  Mark  xiv.  66-72;  John  xxi.  15-19. 

VI.  uRom.  i.  24,  25,  28.  Wherefore  God  also  gave  them  up  to  un¬ 
cleanness,  through  the  lusts  of  their  own  hearts,  to  dishonor  their 
own  bodies  between  themselves :  Who  changed  the  truth  of  God 
into  a  lie,  and  worshiped  and  served  the  creature  more  than  the 
Creator,  who  is  blessed  for  ever.  Amen.— And  even  as  they  did  not 
like  to  retain  God  in  their  knowledge,  God  gave  them  over  to  a  repro¬ 
bate  mind,  to  do  those  things  which  are  not  convenient.  Rom.  xi.  7, 
8.  What  then?  Israel  hath  not  obtained  that  which  he  seeketh  for ; 
but  the  election  hath  obtained  it,  and  the  rest  were  blinded  (Accord¬ 
ing  as  it  is  written,  God  hath  given  them  the  spirit  of  slumber,  eyes 
that  they  should  not  see,  and  ears  that  they  should  not  hear;)  unto 
this  day. 

«-Deut.  xxix.  4.  Yet  the  Lord  hath  not  given  you  an  heart  to  per¬ 
ceive,  and  eyes  to  see,  and  ears  to  hear,  unto  this  day.  Mark  iv.  11, 
12.  And  he  said  unto  them.  Unto  you  it  is  given  to  know  the  mys¬ 
tery  of  the  kingdom  of  God :  but  unto  them  that  are  without,  all 
these  things  are  done  in  parables:  That  seeing  they  may  see,  and  not 
perceive ;  and  hearing  they  may  hear,  and  not  understand :  lest  at 
any  time  they  should  be  converted,  and  their  sins  should  be  forgiven 
them. 


SECT.  VII.  J 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


33 


sometimes  also  withdraweth  the  gifts  which  they  had,* * 
and  exposeth  them  to  such  objects  as  their  corruption 
makes  occasion  of  sin ;  v  and  withal,  gives  them  over  to 
their  own  lusts,  the  temptations  of  the  world,  and  the 
power  of  Satan : 2  whereby  it  comes  to  pass  that  they 
harden  themselves,  even  under  those  means  which  God 
useth  for  the  softening  of  others.a 

VII.  As  the  providence  of  God  doth,  in  general,  reach 
to  all  creatures;  so,  after  a  most  special  manner,  it  taketh 


*Matt.  xiii.  12.  But  whosoever  hath  not,  from  him  shall  be  taken 
away  even  that  he  hath.  Matt.  xxv.  29.  For  unto  every  one  that 
hath  shall  be  given,  and  he  shall  have  abundance :  but  from  him 
that  hath  not  shall  be  taken  away  even  that  which  he  hath.  See 
Acts  xiii.  10,  11 ;  2  Cor.  xi.  13,  15. 

v  2  Kings  viii.  12,  13.  And  Hazael  said,  Why  weepeth  my  lord? 
And  he  answered,  Because  I  know  the  evil  that  thou  wilt  do  unto  the 
children  of  Israel :  their  strongholds  wilt  thou  set  on  fire,  and  their 
young  men  wilt  thou  slay  with  the  sword,  and  wilt  dash  their  chil¬ 
dren,  and  rip  up  their  women  with  child.  And  Hazael  said,  But 
what,  is  thy  servant  a  dog  that  he  should  do  this  great  thing?  And 
Elisha  answered,  The  Lord  hath  showed  me  that  thou  shalt  be  king 
over  Syria. 

*  Psa.  lxxxi.  11, 12.  But  my  people  would  not  hearken  to  my  voice ; 
and  Israel  would  none  of  me.  So  I  gave  them  up  unto  their  own 
hearts’  lust :  and  they  walked  in  their  own  counsels.  2  Thess.  ii.  10- 
12.  And  with  all  deceivableness  of  unrighteousness  in  them  that 
perish ;  because  they  received  not  the  love  of  the  truth,  that  they 
might  be  saved.  And  for  this  cause  God  shall  send  them  strong  de¬ 
lusion,  that  they  should  believe  a  lie :  That  they  all  might  be  damned 
who  believed  not  the  truth,  but  had  pleasure  in  unrighteousness. 
Cor.  ii.  11.  Lest  Satan  should  get  an  advantage  of  us  :  for  we  are  not 
ignorant  of  his  devices.  2  Cor.  xi.  3.  But  I  fear,  lest  by  any  means, 
as  the  serpent  beguiled  Eve  through  his  subtilty,  so  your  minds 
should  be  corrupted  from  the  simplicity  that  is  in  Christ. 

a  Ex.  viii.  xh,  32.  But  when  Pharaoh  saw  that  there  was  respite,  he 
hardened  his  heart,  and  hearkened  not  unto  them ;  as  the  Lord  had 
said.— And  Pharaoh  hardened  his  heart  at  this  time  also,  neither 
would  he  let  the  people  go.  2  Cor.  ii.  15,  16.  For  we  are  unto  God 
a  sweet  savor  of  Christ,  in  them  that  are  saved,  and  in  them  that 
perish :  To  the  one  we  are  the  savor  of  death  unto  death ;  and  to  the 
other  the  savor  of  life  unto  life.  Isa.  viii.  14.  And  he  shall  be  for  a 
sanctuary ;  but  for  a  stone  of  stumbling  and  for  a  rock  of  offence  to 
both  the  houses  of  Israel,  for  a  gin  and  for  a  snare  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Jerusalem.  See  Ex.  vii.  3;  1  Pet.  ii.  7,  8;  Isa.  vi.  9,  10;  Acts  xxviii. 
86-  27 


34 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


[chap,  vt 

care  of  his  Church,  and  disposeth  all  things  to  the  good 
thereof.  & 


CHAPTER  VI. 

OF  THE  FALL  OF  MAN ,  OF  SIN ,  AND  OF  THE  PUNISHMENT 

THEREOF. 

I.  Our  first  parents,  being  seduced  by  the  subtilty  and 
temptation  of  Satan,  sinned  in  eating  the  forbidden  fruit. a 
This  their  sin  God  was  pleased,  according  to  his  wise  and 
holy  counsel,  to  permit,  having  purposed  to  order  it  to  his 
own  glory.k 

II.  By  this  sin  they  fell  from  their  original  righteous¬ 
ness,  and  communion  with  God,c  and  so  became  dead  in 
r  * 

VII.  b  Amos  ix.  8,  9.  Behold,  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  God  are  upon  thv 
sinful  kingdom,  and  I  will  destroy  it  from  off  the  face  of  the  earth  . 
saving  that  I  will  not  utterly  destroy  the  house  of  Jacob,  saith  the 
Lord.  For,  lo,  I  will  command,  and  I  will  sift  the  house  of  Israel 
among  all  nations,  like  as  corn  is  sifted  in  a  sieve,  yet  shall  not  the 
least  grain  fall  upon  the  earth.  Matt.  xvi.  18.  And  I  s&v  also  unto 
thee,  That  thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church ; 
and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it.  Rom.  viii.  28.  And 
we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpose.  1  Tim.  iv. 
10.  For  therefore  we  both  labor  and  suffer  reproach,  because  we 
trust  in  the  living  God,  who  is  the  Saviour  of  all  men,  specially  of 
those  that  believe. 

I.  aGen.  iii.  13.  And  the  woman  said,  The  serpent  beguiled  me, 
and  I  did  eat.  2  Cor.  xi.  3.  But  I  fear  lest  by  any  means,  as  the  ser¬ 
pent  beguiled  Eve  through  his  subtilty,  so  your  minds  should  be 
corrupted  from  the  simplicity  that  is  in  Christ. 

6  Rom.  xi.  32.  For  God  hath  concluded  them  all  in  unbelief,  that 
he  might  have  mercy  upon  all.  Rom.  v.  20,  21.  But  where  sin 
abounded,  grace  did  much  more  abound  :  That  as  sin  hath  reigned 
unto  death,  even  so  might  grace  reign  through  righteousness  unto 
eternal  life  by  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

II.  «Gen.  iii.  6-8.  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was  good 
for  food,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired 
to  make  one  wise,  she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat,  and  gave 
also  unto  her  husband  with  her ;  and  he  did  eat.  And  the  eyes  of 
them  both  were  opened,  and  they  knew  that  they  were  naked;  and 
they  sewed  fig  leaves  together,  and  made  themselves  aprons.  And 


sect,  in.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


35 


sin/* *  and  wholly  defiled  in  all  the  faculties  and  parts  of 
soul  and  body.6 

III.  They  being  the  root  of  all  mankind,  the  guilt  of 
this  sin  was  imputed,/  and  the  same  death  in  sin  and  cor- 


they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God  walking  in  the  garden  in  the 
cool  of  the  day :  and  Adam  and  his  wife  hid  themselves  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  God  amongst  the  trees  of  the  garden.  Rom.  iii. 
23.  For  all  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  the  glory  of  God. 

d  Gen.  ii.  17.  But  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil, 
thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it :  for  in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou 
shalt  surely  die.  Eph.  ii.  1-3.  And  you  hath  he  quickened,  who  were 
dead  in  trespasses  and  sins ;  Wherein  in  time  past  ye  walked  accord' 
ing  to  the  course  of  this  world,  according  to  the  prince  of  the  powei 
of  the  air,  the  spirit  that  now  worketh  in  the  children  of  disobedi¬ 
ence  :  Among  whom  also  we  all  had  our  conversation  in  times  past  in 
the  lusts  of  our  flesh,  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  of  the 
mind;  and  were  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  others. 
Rom.  v.  12.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world, 
and  death  by  sin ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have 
sinned. 

•  Gen.  vi.  5.  And  God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of  man  was  great  in 
the  earth,  and  that  every  imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  was 
only  evil  continually.  Jer.  xvii.  9.  The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all 
things,  and  desperately  wicked:  who  can  know  it?  Tit.  i.  15.  Unto 
the  pure  all  things  are  pure :  but  unto  them  that  are  defiled  and  un¬ 
believing  is  nothing  pure ;  but  even  their  mind  and  conscience  is 
defiled.  See  Rom.  iii.  10-18. 

III.  /  Acts  xvii.  26.  And  hath  made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of 
men  for  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  hath  determined 
the  times  before  appointed,  and  the  bounds  of  their  habitation.  Gen. 
ii.  17.  But  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  thou  shalt 
not  eat  of  it :  for  in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely 
die.  Rom.  v.  12, 15-19.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into 
the  world,  and  death  by  sin  ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for 
that  all  have  sinned.— But  not  as  the  offence,  so  also  is  the  free  gift : 
for  if  through  the  offence  of  one  many  be  dead,  much  more  the  grace 
of  God,  and  the  gift  by  grace,  which  is  by  one  man,  Jesus  Christ,  hath 
abounded  unto  many.  And  not  as  it  was  by  one  that  sinned,  so  is  the 
gift:  for  the  judgment  was  by  one  to  condemnation,  but  the  free  gift 
is  of  many  offences  unto  justification.  For  if  by  one  man’s  offence 
death  reigned  by  one  ;  much  more  they  which  receive  abundance  of 
grace  and  of  the  gift  of  righteousness  shall  reign  in  life  by  one,  Jesus 
Christ.  Therefore,  as  by  the  offence  of  one  judgment  came  upon  all 
men  to  condemnation;  even  so  by  the  righteousness  of  one  the  free 
gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  justification  of  life.  For  as  by  one  man’s 
disobedience  many  were  made  sinners,  so  by  the  obedience  of  one 
shall  many  be  made  righteous.  1  Cor.  xv.  21,  22,  45,  49.  For  since  by 


36 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH .  [chap.  vi. 


rupted  nature  conveyed,  to  all  their  posterity,  descending 
from  them  by  ordinary  generation.  9 

IV.  From  this  original  corruption,  whereby  we  are  ut¬ 
terly  indisposed,  disabled,  and  made  opposite  to  all  good, h 
and  wholly  inclined  to  all  evil, i  do  proceed  all  actual 
transgressions. k 

V.  This  corruption  of  nature,  during  this  life,  doth  re¬ 
main  in  those  that  are  regenerated  : 1 * * IV. V.  and  although  it  be 


man  came  death,  by  man  came  also  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  For 

as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. — And  so 
it  is  written,  The  first  man  Adam  was  made  a  living  soul ;  the  last 
Adam  was  made  a  quickening  spirit.— And  as  we  have  borne  the 
image  of  the  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the  image  of  the  heavenly. 

s  Psa.  li.  5.  Behold,  I  was  shapen  in  iniquity ;  and  in  sin  did  my 
mother  conceive  me.  Gen.  v.  3.  And  Adam  lived  an  hundred  and 
thirty  years,  and  begat  a  son  in  his  own  likeness,  after  his  image: 
and  called  his  name  Seth.  John  iii.  6.  That  which  is  born  of  the 
flesh  is  flesh. 

IV.  ;*Rom.  v.  6.  For  when  we  were  yet  without  strength,  in  due 
time  Christ  died  for  the  ungodly.  Rom.  viii.  7.  Because  the  carnal 
mind  is  enmity  against  God ;  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God, 
neither  indeed  can  be.  Rom.  vii.  18.  For  I  know  that  in  me  (that  is, 
in  my  flesh,)  dwelleth  no  good  thing:  for  to  will  is  present  with  me ; 
but  how  to  perform  that  which  is  good  I  find  not.  Col.  i.  21.  And 
you,  that  were  sometime  alienated  and  enemies  in  your  mind  by 
wicked  works,  yet  now  hath  he  reconciled. 

•  Gen.  vi.  5.  And  God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of  man  was  great  in 
the  earth,  and  that  every  imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  was 
only  evil  continually.  Gen.  viii.  21.  And  the  Lord  said, . . .  The  imagi¬ 
nation  of  man’s  heart  is  evil  from  his  youth.  Rom.  iii.  10-12.  As  it  is 
w'ritten,  There  is  none  righteous,  no,  not  one  :  There  is  none  that 
understandeth,  there  is  none  that  seeketh  after  God.  They  are  all 
gone  out  of  the  way,  they  are  together  become  unprofitable  ;  there  is 
none  that  doeth  good,  no,  not  one. 

*  Jas.  i.  14, 15.  But  every  man  is  tempted,  when  he  is  drawn  away 
of  his  own  lust,  and  enticed.  Then  when  lust  hath  conceived,  it 
bringeth  forth  sin ;  and  sin,  when  it  is  finished,  bringeth  forth  death. 
Eph.  ii.  2,  3.  The  spirit  that  now  worketh  in  the  children  of  disobe¬ 
dience  :  Among  whom  also  we  all  had  our  conversation  in  times  past 
in  the  lusts  of  our  flesh,  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  of  the 
mind ;  and  were  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  others. 
Matt.  xv.  19.  For  out  of  the  heart  proceed  evil  thoughts,  murders, 
adulteries,  fornications,  thefts,  false  witness,  blasphemies. 

V.  1  Rom.  vii.  14,  17, 18,  21-23.  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  spiritual : 
but  I  am  carnal,  sold  under  sin.— Now  then  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  it, 
but  sin  that  dwelleth  in  me.  For  I  know  that  in  me  (that  is,  in  my 


sect,  vi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


37 


through  Christ  pardoned  and  mortified,  yet  both  itself, 
and  all  the  motions  thereof,  are  truly  and  properly 
sin.m 

VI.  Every  sin,  both  original  and  actual,  being  a  trans¬ 
gression  of  the  righteous  law  of  God,  and  contrary  there¬ 
unto,  71  doth,  in  its  own  nature,  bring  guilt  upon  the  sin¬ 
ner,  0  whereby  he  is  bound  over  to  the  wrath  of  God,  v 
and  curse  of  the  law,  Q  and  so  made  subject  to 


flesh,)  dwelleth  no  good  thing:  for  to  will  is  present  with  me;  but 
how  to  perform  that  which  is  good  I  find  not.— I  find  then  a  law,  that, 
when  I  would  do  good,  evil  is  present  with  me.  For  I  delight  in  the 
law  of  God  after  the  inward  man:  But  I  see  another  law  in  my 
mefnbers,  warring  against  the  law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into 
captivity  to  the  law  of  sin  which  is  in  my  members.  James  iii.  2. 
For  in  many  things  we  offend  all.  1  John  i.  8, 10.  If  we  say  that  we 
have  no  sin,  we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us.— If  we 
say  that  we  have  not  sinned,  we  make  him  a  liar,  and  his  word  is  not 
in  us.  Prov.  xx.  9.  Who  can  say,  I  have  made  my  heart  clean,  I  am 
pure  from  my  sin?  Eccl.  vii.  20.  For  there  is  not  a  just  man  upon 
earth,  that  doeth  good,  and  sinneth  not. 

wRom.  vii.  7,  8,  25.  What  shall  we  say  then?  Is  the  law  sin?  God 
forbid.  Nay,  I  had  not  known  sin,  but  by  the  law :  for  I  had  not 
known  lust,  except  the  law  had  said,  Thou  shalt  not  covet.  But  sin, 
taking  occasion  by  the  commandment,  wrought  in  me  all  manner  of 
concupiscence.  For  without  the  law  sin  was  dead. — So  then  with  the 
mind  I  myself  serve  the  law  of  God ;  but  with  the  flesh  the  law  of 
sin.  Gal.  v.  17.  For  the  flesh  lusteth  against  the  Spirit,  and  the 
Spirit  against  the  flesh :  and  these  are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other ; 
so  that  ye  cannot  do  the  things  that  ye  would. 

VI.  n  1  John  iii.  4.  Whosoever  committeth  sin  transgresseth  also 
the  law :  for  sin  is  the  transgression  of  the  law. 

°Rom.  ii.  15.  Which  show  the  work  of  the  law  written  in  their 
hearts,  their  conscience  also  bearing  witness,  and  their  thoughts  the 
mean  while  accusing  or  else  excusing  one  another.  Rom.  iii.  9,  19. 
What  then?  are  we  better  than  they?  No,  in  nowise :  for  we  have  be¬ 
fore  proved  both  Jews  and  Gentiles,  that  they  are  all  under  sin.— 
Now  we  know  that  what  things  soever  the  law  saith,  it  saith  to 
them  who  are  under  the  law :  that  every  mouth  may  be  stopped, 
and  all  the  world  may  become  guilty  before  God. 

p  Eph.  ii.  3.  Among  whom  also  we  all  had  our  conversation  in  times 
past  in  the  lusts  of  our  flesh,  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  of 
the  mind;  and  were  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  others. 

9  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law  are 
under  the  curse :  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that  con- 
tinueth  not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law 
to  do  them. 


38  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH .  [chap.  vii. 

death, r  with  all  miseries  spiritual, 5  temporal,*  1 II.  and 
eternal.^ 


CHAPTER  VII. 

OF  GOD'S  COVENANT  WITH  MAN. 

I.  The  distance  between  God  and  the  creature  is  so  great, 
that  although  reasonable  creatures  do  owe  obedience  unto 
him  as  their  Creator,  yet  they  could  never  have  any  frui¬ 
tion  of  him,  as  their  blessedness  and  reward,  but  by  some 
voluntary  condescension  on  God’s  part,  which  he  hath 
been  pleased  to  express  by  way  of  covenant.0 

II.  The  first  covenant  made  with  man  was  a  covenant 
of  works, b  wherein  life  was  promised  to  Adam,  and  in  him 


r  Rom.  vi.  23.  For  the  wages  of  sin  is  death. 

•Eph.  iv.  18.  Having  the  understanding  darkened,  being  alienated 
from  the  life  of  God  through  the  ignorance  that  is  in  them,  because 
of  the  blindness  of  their  heart. 

*  Lam.  iii.  39.  Wherefore  doth  a  living  man  complain,  a  man  for  the 
punishment  of  his  sins? 

uMatt.  xxv.  41.  Then  shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on  the  left  hand, 
Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil 
and  his  angels.  2  Thess.  i.  9.  Who  shall  be  punished  with  everlast¬ 
ing  destruction  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of 
his  power. 

I.  a  Job  ix.  32,  33.  For  he  is  not  a  man,  as  I  am,  that  I  should  answer 
him,  and  we  should  come  together  in  judgment.  Neither  is  there 
any  daysman  betwixt  us,  that  might  lay  his  hand  upon  us  both. 
Psa.  cxiii.  5,  6.  Who  is  like  unto  the  Lord  our  God,  who  dwelleth  on 
high,  Who  humbleth  himself  to  behold  the  things  that  arc  in  heaven, 
and  in  the  earth  !  Acts  xvii.  24,  25.  God  that  made  the  world  and  all 
things  therein,  seeing  that  he  is  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth 
not  in  temples  made  with  hands;  Neither  is  worshiped  with  men’s 
hands,  as  though  he  needed  any  tiling,  seeing  he  giveth  to  all  life, 
and  breath,  and  all  things.  Luke  xvii.  10.  So  likewise  ye,  when  ye 
shall  have  done  all  those  things  which  are  commanded  you,  say,  We 
are  unprofitable  servants :  we  have  done  that  which  was  our  duty  to 
do.  See  Job  xxxv.  7,  8. 

II.  b Gal.  iii.  12.  And  the  law  is  not  of  faith:  but,  The  man  that 
doetli  them  shall  live  in  them.  See  Gen.  ii.  16,  17. 


sect,  hi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


39 


to  his  posterity, c  upon  condition  of  perfect  and  personal 
obedience.^ 

III.  Man,  by  his  fall,  haying  made  himself  incapable 
of  life  by  that  covenant,  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  make  a 
second,6  commonly  called  the  covenant  of  grace:  wherein 
he  freely  offeretk  unto  sinners  life  and  salvation  by  Jesus 
Christ,  requiring  of  them  faith  in  him,  that  they  may  be 
saved;/  and  promising  to  give  unto  all  those  that  are 

•Rom.  x.  5.  For  Moses  describeth  the  righteousness  which  is  of  the 
law,  That  the  man  which  doeth  those  things  shall  live  by  them. 
Rom.  v.  12-14.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world, 
and  death  by  sin ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have 
sinned :  For  until  the  law  sin  was  in  the  world :  but  sin  is  not  im¬ 
puted  when  there  is  no  law.  Nevertheless  death  reigned  from  Adam 
to  Moses,  even  over  them  that  had  not  sinned  after  the  similitude  of 
Adam’s  transgression,  who  is  the  figure  of  him  that  was  to  come. 

dGen.  ii.  17.  But  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil, 
thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it :  for  in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof,  thou 
shalt  surely  die.  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the 
law  are  under  the  curse;  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that 
continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law 
to  do  them. 

III.  «Gal.  iii.  21. — For  if  there  had  been  a  law  given  which  could 
have  given  life,  verily  righteousness  should  have  been  by  the  law. 
Rom.  viii.  3.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak 
through  the  flesh,  God  sending  his  own  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful 
flesh,  and  for  sin,  condemned  sin  in  the  flesh.  Rom.  iii.  20,  21.  There¬ 
fore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law  there  shall  no  flesh  be  justified  in  his 
sight :  for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin.  But  now  the  right¬ 
eousness  of  God  without  the  law  is  manifested,  being  witnessed  by 
the  law  and  the  prophets.  Isa.  xlii.  6.  I  the  Lord  have  called  thee 
in  righteousness,  and  will  hold  thine  hand,  and  will  keep  thee,  and 
give  thee  for  a  covenant  of  the  people,  for  a  light  of  the  Gentiles. 
Gen.  iii.  15.  And  I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and  the  woman, 
and  between  thy  seed  and  her  seed ;  it  shall  bruise  thy  head,  and 
thou  shalt  bruise  his  heel. 

/Matt,  xxviii.  18-20.  And  Jesus  came  and  spake  unto  them,  saying, 
All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth.  Go  ye  therefore, 
and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost:  Teaching  them  to  observe  all 
things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you :  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you 
alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.  Amen.  John  iii.  16.  For  God 
so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whoso¬ 
ever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life. 
Rom.  i.  16, 17.  For  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ :  for  it 
is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth ;  to 
the  Jew  first,  and  also  to  the  Greek.  For  therein  is  the  righteousness 


40 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap,  vii 


ordained  unto  life,  liis  Holy  Spirit,  to  make  them  willing 
and  able  to  believe.^ 

IV.  This  covenant  of  grace  is  frequently  set  forth  in 
the  Scripture  by  the  name  of  a  testament,  in  reference  to 
the  death  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  testator,  and  to  the  ever¬ 
lasting  inheritance,  with  all  things  belonging  to  it,  there¬ 
in  bequeathed.* 

V.  This  covenant  was  differently  administered  in  the 
time  of  the  law,  and  in  the  time  of  the  gospel  A  under 

of  God  revealed  from  faith  to  faith :  as  it  is  written,  The  just  shall 
live  by  faith.  Rom.  x.  6-9.  But  the  righteousness  which  is  of  faith 
speaketh  on  this  wise,  Say  not  in  thine  heart,  Who  shall  ascend  into 
heaven?  (that  is,  to  bring  Christ  down  from  above:)  Or,  Who  shall 
descend  into  the  deep?  (that  is,  to  bring  up  Christ  again  from  the 
dead.)  But  what  saith  it  ?  The  word  is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth, 
and  in  thy  heart:  that  is,  the  word  of  faith,  which  we  preach;  That 
if  thou  shalt  confess  with  thy  mouth  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  shalt 
believe  in  thine  heart  that  God  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead,  thou 
shalt  be  saved. 

o  Acts  xiii.  48.  And  when  the  Gentiles  heard  this,  they  were  glad, 
and  glorified  the  word  of  the  Lord  :  and  as  many  as  were  ordained  to 
eternal  life  believed.  Ezek.  xxxvi.  26,  27.  A  new  heart  also  will  I 
give  you,  and  a  new  spirit  will  I  put  within  you,  and  I  will  take 
away  the  stony  heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and  I  will  give  you  an  heart 
of  flesh.  And  I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you,  and  cause  you  to  walk 
in  my  statutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my  judgments  and  do  them.  John 
vi.  37,  44,  45.  All  that  the  Father  giveth  me  shall  come  to  me ;  and 
him  that  cometh  to  me  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out.— No  man  can  come 
to  me,  except  the  Father,  which  hath  sent  me,  draw  him  ;  and  I  will 
raise  him  up  at  the  last  day.  It  is  written  in  the  prophets,  And  they 
shall  be  all  taught  of  God.  Every  man  therefore  that  hath  heard, 
and  hath  learned  of  the  Father,  cometh  unto  me.  Luke  xi.  13.  If  ye 
then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your  children ; 
how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
them  that  ask  him  ?  Gal.  iii.  14.  That  the  blessing  of  Abraham  might 
eome  on  the  Gentiles  through  Jesus  Christ;  that  we  might  receive 
the  promise  of  the  Spirit  through  faith. 

IV.  h  Heb.  ix.  15-17.  And  for  this  cause  he  is  the  mediator  of  the 
new  testament,  that  by  means  of  death  for  the  redemption  of  the 
transgressions  that  were  under  the  first  testament,  they  which  are 
called  might  receive  the  promise  of  eternal  inheritance.  For  where 
a  testament  is,  there  must  also  of  necessity  be  the  death  of  the  testa¬ 
tor.  For  a  testament  is  of  force  after  men  are  dead  ;  otherwise  it  is 
of  no  strength  at  all  while  the  testator  liveth. 

V.  *2  Cor.  iii.  6-9.  Who  also  hath  made  us  able  ministers  of  the 
new  testament;  not  of  the  letter,  but  of  the  spirit:  for  the  letter 
killeth,  but  the  spirit  giveth  life.  But  if  the  ministration  of  death, 


SECT.  V.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


41 


the  law  it  was  administered  by  promises,  prophecies,  sac¬ 
rifices,  circumcision,  the  paschal  lamb,  and  other  types 
and  ordinances  delivered  to  the  people  of  the  Jews,  all 
fore-signifying  Christ  to  come, which  were  for  that  time 
sufficient  and  efficacious,  through  the  operation  of  the 
Spirit,  to  instruct  and  build  up  the  elect  in  faith  in  the 
promised  Messiah, 1  by  whom  they  had  full  remission  of 
sins,  and  eternal  salvation ;  and  is  called  the  Old  Testa¬ 
ment.  m 


written  and  engraven  in  stones,  was  glorious,  so  that  the  children  of 
Israel  could  not  steadfastly  behold  the  face  of  Moses  for  the  glory  of 
his  countenance ;  which  glory  was  to  be  done  away ;  How  shall  not 
the  ministration  of  the  spirit  be  rather  glorious  ?  For  if  the  minis¬ 
tration  of  condemnation  be  glory,  much  more  doth  the  ministration 
of  righteousness  exceed  in  glory. 

*  See  Heb.  viii.  ix.  x.  Rom.  iv.  11.  And  he  received  the  sign  of 
circumcision,  a  seal  of  the  righteousness  of  the  faith  which  he  had 
yet  being  uncircumcised ;  that  he  might  be  the  father  of  all  them  that 
believe,  though  they  be  not  circumcised ;  that  righteousness  might 
be  imputed  unto  them  also.  Col.  ii.  11, 12.  In  whom  also  ye  are  cir¬ 
cumcised  with  the  circumcision  made  without  hands,  in  putting  off 
the  body  of  the  sins  of  the  flesh  by  the  circumcision  of  Christ :  Buried 
with  him  in  baptism,  wherein  also  ye  are  risen  with  him  through  the 
faith  of  the  operation  of  God,  who  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead.  1 
Cor.  v.  7.  Purge  out  therefore  the  old  leaven,  that  ye  may  be  a  new 
lump,  as  ye  are  unleavened.  For  even  Christ  our  passover  is  sacri¬ 
ficed  for  us. 

*1  Cor.  x.  1-4.  Moreover,  brethren,  I  would  not  that  ye  should  be 
ignorant,  how  that  all  our  fathers  were  under  the  cloud,  and  all 
passed  through  the  sea;  And  were  all  baptized  unto  Moses  in  the 
cloud  and  in  the  sea;  And  did  all  eat  the  same  spiritual  meat;  And 
did  all  drink  the  same  spiritual  drink ;  for  they  drank  of  that  spirit¬ 
ual  Rock  that  followed  them  :  and  that  Rock  was  Christ.  Heb.  xi.  13. 
These  all  died  in  faith,  not  having  received  the  promises,  but  having 
seen  them  afar  off,  and  were  persuaded  of  them ,  and  embraced  them, 
and  confessed  that  they  were  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth. 
J  >hn  viii.  56.  Your  father  Abraham  rejoiced  to  see  my  day :  and  he 
saw  it,  and  was  glad. 

™Gal.  iii.  7-9, 14.  Know  ye,  therefore,  that  they  which  are  of  faith, 
the  same  are  the  children  of  Abraham.  And  the  Scripture,  foreseeing 
that  God  would  justify  the  heathen  through  faith,  preached  before 
the  gospel  unto  Abraham,  saying,  In  thee  shall  all  nations  be  blessed. 
So  then  they  which  be  of  faith  are  blessed  with  faithful  Abraham.— 
That  the  blessing  of  Abraham  might  come  on  the  Gentiles  through 
Jesus  Christ ;  that  we  might  receive  the  promise  of  the  Spirit  through 
faith. 


42 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  vn. 


VI.  Under  the  gospel,  when  Christ  the  substance71  was 
exhibited,  the  ordinances  in  which  this  covenant  is  dis¬ 
pensed  are  the  preaching  of  the  Word,  and  the  admin¬ 
istration  of  the  Sacraments  of  Baptism  and  the  Lord’s 

M. 

Supper;0  which,  though  fewer  in  number,  and  admin¬ 
istered  with  more  simplicity  and  less  outward  glory,  yet 
in  them  it  is  held  forth  in  more  fullness,  evidence,  and 
spiritual  efficacy,?7  to  all  nations,  both  Jews  and  Gentiles;? 

VI.  n  Col.  ii.  17.  Which  are  a  shadow  of  things  to  come;  but  the 
body  is  of  Christ. 

•  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptiz¬ 
ing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost :  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  com¬ 
manded  you:  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world.  Amen.  1  Cor.  xi.  23-25.  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord, 
that  which  also  I  delivered  unto  you,  that  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same 
night  in  which  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread  :  And  when  he  had  given 
thanks,  he  brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat;  this  is  my  body,  which  is 
broken  for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  After  the  same 
manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying,  This  cup 
is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in 
remembrance  of  me. 

Plleb.  xii.  22-21.  But  ye  are  come  unto  mount  Sion,  and  unto  the 
city  of  the  living  God,  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumer¬ 
able  company  of  angels,  To  the  general  assembly  and  church  of  the 
firstborn,  which  are  written  in  heaven,  and  to  God  the  Judge  of  all, 
and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  And  to  Jesus  the  me¬ 
diator  of  the  new  covenant,  and  to  the  blood  of  sprinkling,  that 
speaketh  better  things  than  that  of  Abel.  2  Cor.  iii.  9-11.  For  if  the 
ministration  of  condemnation  he  glory,  much  more  doth  the  minis¬ 
tration  of  righteousness  exceed  in  glory.  For  even  that  which  was 
made  glorious  had  no  glory  in  this  respect,  by  reason  of  the  glory 
that  excelleth.  For  if  that  which  is  done  away  ivas  glorious,  much 
more  that  which  remaineth  is  glorious.  See  Jer.  xxxi.  33,  34. 

*Luke  ii.  32.  A  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of  thy 
people  Israel.  Acts  x.  3-1,  35.  Then  Peter  opened  his  mouth,  and  said, 
Of  a  truth  I  perceive  that  God  is  no  respecter  of  persons :  But  in  every 
nation  he  that  feareth  him,  and  worketh  righteousness,  is  accepted 
with  him.  Eph.  ii.  15-19.  Having  abolished  in  his  flesh  the  enmity, 
even  the  law  of  commandments  contained  in  ordinances;  for  to  make 
in  himself  of  twain  one  new  man,  so  making  peace;  And  that  he 
might  reconcile  both  unto  God  in  one  body  by  the  cross,  having  slain 
the  enmity  thereby:  And  came  and  preached  peace  to  you  which 
were  afar  off,  and  to  them  that  were  nigh.  For  through  him  we  both 
have  access  by  one  Spirit  unto  the  Father.  Now  therefore  ye  are  no 
more  strangers  and  foreigners,  but  fellow  citizens  with  the  saints, 
and  of  the  household  of  God. 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


43 


and  is  called  the  New  Testament/  There  are  not,  there¬ 
fore,  two  covenants  of  grace  differing  in  substance,  but 
one  and  the  same  under  various  dispensations/ 


CHAPTEE  VIII. 

OF  CHRIST  THE  MEDIATOR. 

I.  It  pleased  God,  in  his  eternal  purpose,  to  choose 
and  ordain  the  Lord  Jesus,  his  only  begotten  Son, 
to  be  the  Mediator  between  God  and  man ; a  the 

rLuke  xxii.  20.  Likewise  also  the  cup  after  supper,  saying,  This 
cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you. 

*Gal.  iii.  14,  16.  That  the  blessing  of  Abraham  might  come  on  the 
Gentiles  through  Jesus  Christ ;  that  we  might  receive  the  promise  of 
the  Spirit  through  faith. — Now  to  Abraham  and  his  seed  were  the 
promises  made.  He  saith  not,  And  to  seeds,  as  of  many ;  but  as  of  one, 
And  to  thy  seed,  which  is  Christ.  Acts  xv.  11.  But  we  believe,  that 
through  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  we  shall  be  saved,  even  as 
they.  Rom.  iii.  21,  22,  30.  But  now  the  righteousness  of  God  without 
the  law  is  manifested,  being  witnessed  by  the  law  and  the  prophets ; 
Even  the  righteousness  of  God  which  is  by  faith  of  Jesus  Christ  unto 
all  and  upon  all  them  that  believe ;  for  there  is  no  difference.— See- 
ing  it  is  one  God,  which  shall  justify  the  circumcision  by  faith,  and 
uncircumcision  through  faith.  Rom.  iv.  16,  17,  23,  24.  Therefore  it  is 
of  faith,  that  it  might  be  by  grace ;  to  the  end  the  promise  might  be 
sure  to  all  the  seed  ;  not  to  that  only  which  is  of  the  law,  but  to  that 
also  which  is  of  the  faith  of  Abraham  ;  who  is  the  father  of  us  all, 
(As  it  is  written,  I  have  made  thee  a  father  of  many  nations,)  before 
him  whom  he  believed,  even  God,  who  quickeneth  the  dead,  and 
calleth  those  things  which  be  not  as  though  they  were.— Now  it  was 
not  written  for  his  sake  alone,  that  it  was  imputed  to  him  ;  But  for  us 
also,  to  whom  it  shall  be  imputed,  if  we  believe  on  him  that  raised 
up  Jesus  our  Lord  from  the  dead.  Heb.  i.  1,  2.  God,  who  at  sundry 
times  and  in  divers  manners  spake  in  time  past  unto  the  fathers  by 
the  prophets,  Hath  in  these  last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his  Son. 

I.  °Isa.  xlii.  1.  Behold  my  servant,  whom  I  uphold  ;  mine  elect,  in 
whom  my  soul  delighteth ;  I  have  put  my  Spirit  upon  him :  he  shall 
bring  forth  judgment  to  the  Gentiles.  1  Pet.  i.  19,  20.— But  with  the 
precious  blood  of  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb  without  blemish  and  without 
spot :  Who  verily  was  foreordained  before  the  foundation  of  the  world, 
but  was  manifest  in  these  last  times  for  you.  1  Tim.  ii.  5.  For  there 
is  one  God,  and  one  mediator  between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ 
Jesus.  John  iii.  16.  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  hii 


44 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  vm. 


prophet, b  priest, c  and  king ; d  the  head  and  Saviour 
of  his  Church;* * 6  the  heir  of  all  things,/  and  judge 
of  the  world ;  9  unto  whom  he  did,  from  all  eternity, 
give  a  people  to  be  his  seed,^  and  to  be  by  him 


only  begotten  'Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  per¬ 

ish,  but  have  everlasting  life. 

6Deut.  xviii.  15.  The  Lord  thy  God  will  raise  up  unto  thee  a 
Prophet  from  the  midst  of  thee,  of  thy  brethren,  like  unto  me ;  unto 
him  ye  shall  hearken.  Acts  iii.  20-22.  And  he  shall  send  Jesus  Christ, 
which  before  was  preached  unto  you  :  Whom  the  heaven  must  receive 
until  the  times  of  restitution  of  all  things,  which  God  hath  spoken 
by  the  mouth  of  all  his  holy  prophets  since  the  world  began.  For 
Moses  truly  said  unto  the  fathers,  A  Prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  God 
raise  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto  me  ;  him  shall  ye  hear 
in  all  things  whatsoever  he  shall  say  unto  you. 

c  Heb.  v.  5,  6.  So  also  Christ  glorified  not  himself  to  be  made  a  high 
priest ;  but  he  that  said  unto  him,  Thou  art  my  Son,  to-day  have  I  be¬ 
gotten  thee.  As  he  saith  also  in  another  place,  Thou  art  a  priest  for 
ever,  after  the  order  of  Melchisedec. 

dPsa.  ii.  6.  Yet  have  I  set  my  king  upon  my  holy  hill  of  Zion. 
Isa.  ix.  6,  7.  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a  son  is  given  :  and 
the  government  shall  be  upon  his  shoulder :  and  his  name  shall  be 
called  Wonderful,  Counselor,  The  mighty  God,  The  everlasting 
Father,  The  Prince  of  Peace.  Of  the  increase  of  his  government  and 
peace  there  shall  be  no  end,  upon  the  throne  of  David,  and  upon  his 
kingdom,  to  order  it,  and  to  establish  it  with  judgment  and  with 
justice  from  henceforth  even  for  ever.  The  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts 
will  perform  this.  Luke  i.  33.  And  he  shall  reign  over  the  house  of 
Jacob  for  ever ;  and  of  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  no  end. 

«  Eph.  v.  23.  For  the  husband  is  the  head  of  the  wife,  even  as  Christ 
is  the  head  of  the  church  :  and  he  is  the  Saviour  of  the  body. 

/Heb.  i.  2.  Hath  in  these  last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his  Son,  whom 
he  hath  appointed  heir  of  all  things. 

o  Acts  xvii.  31.  Because  he  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the  which  he 
will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness  by  that  man  whom  he  hath 
ordained ;  whereof  he  hath  given  assurance  unto  all  men ,  in  that  he 
hath  raised  him  from  the  dead.  2  Cor.  v.  10.  For  we  must  all  appear 
before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ :  that  every’  one  may  receive  the 
things  done  in  his  body,  according  to  that  he  hath  done,  whether  it  be 
good  or  bad. 

a  John  xvii.  6.  I  have  manifested  thy  name  unto  the  men  which 
thou  gavest  me  out  of  the  world  :  thine  they  were,  and  thou  gavest 
’  thorn  me ;  and  they  have  kept  thy  word.  Psa.  xxii.  30.  A  seed  shall 
serve  him  ;  it  shall  be  accounted  to  the  Lord  for  a  generation.  Isa. 
liii.  10.  When  thou  shalt  make  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin,  he  shall  see 
his  seed,  he  shall  prolong  his  days,  and  the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  shall 
prosper  in  his  hand.  Eph.  i.  4.  According  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in 


SECT.  n.  ] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


45 


in  time  redeemed,  called,  justified,  sanctified,  and  glori¬ 
fied.* * 

II.  The  Son  of  God,  the  second  person  in  the  Trinity, 
being  very  and  eternal  God,  of  one  substance,  and  equal 
with  the  Father,  did,  when  the  fullness  of  time  was  come, 
take  upon  him  man’s  nature, k  with  all  the  essential  prop¬ 
erties  and  common  infirmities  thereof,  yet  without  sin:* 
being  conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  in  the 
womb  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  of  her  substance. m  So  that 

him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we  should  be  holy  and 
without  blame  before  him  in  love. 

*  1  Tim.  ii.  5,  6.  For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  mediator  between  God 
and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus ;  Who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all, 
to  be  testified  in  due  time.  Isa.  lv.  4,  5.  Behold,  I  have  given  him  for 
a  witness  to  the  people,  a  leader  and  commander  to  the  people.  Be¬ 
hold,  thou  shalt  call  a  nation  that  thou  knowest  not,  and  nations  that 
knew  not  thee  shall  run  unto  thee,  because  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and 
for  the  Holy  One  of  Israel ;  for  he  hath  glorified  thee.  1  Cor.  i.  30. 
But  of  him  are  ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  of  God  is  made  unto  us  wis¬ 
dom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification,  and  redemption.  Rom. 
viii.  30.  Moreover,  whom  he  did  predestinate,  them  he  also  called : 
and  whom  he  called,  them  he  also  justified :  and  whom  he  justified, 
them  he  also  glorified. 

II.  *  John  i.  1, 14.  In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word 
was  with  God,  and  the  Word  was  God.— And  the  Word  was  made 
flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us,  (and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of 
the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,)  full  of  grace  and  truth.  1  John  v. 
20.  And  we  know  that  the  Son  of  God  is  come,  and  hath  given  us  an 
understanding,  that  we  may  know  him  that  is  true ;  and  we  are  in 
him  that  is  true,  even  in  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  This  is  the  true  God, 
and  eternal  life.  Phil.  ii.  6.  Who,  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought 
it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God.  Gal.  iv.  4.  But  when  the  full¬ 
ness  of  the  time  was  come,  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman, 
made  under  the  law. 

1  Ileb.  ii.  14, 17.  Forasmuch  then  as  the  children  are  partakers  of 
flesh  and  blood,  he  also  himself  likewise  took  part  of  the  same ;  that 
through  death  he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the  power  of  death, 
that  is,  the  devil. — Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behooved  him  to  be 
made  like  unto  his  brethren.  Heb.  iv.  15.  For  we  have  not  a  high 
priest  which  cannot  be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities  ; 
but  was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin. 

m  Luke  i.  27,  31,  35.  To  a  virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose  name  was 
Joseph,  of  the  house  of  David ;  and  the  virgin’s  name  was  Mary. — 
And,  behold,  thou  shalt  conceive  in  thy  womb,  and  bring  forth  a  son, 
and  shalt  call  his  name  JESUS.— And  the  angel  answered  and  said 
unto  her,  The  Holy  Ghosts  shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power  of 


46 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  vro. 


two  whole,  perfect,  and  distinct  natures,  the  Godhead  and 
the  manhood,  were  inseparably  joined  together  in  one 
person,  without  conversion,  composition,  or  confusion.71 
Which  person  is  very  God  and  very  man,  yet  one  Christ, 
the  only  Mediator  between  God  and  man.0 

III.  The  Lord  Jesus,  in  his  human  nature  thus  united 
to  the  divine,  was  sanctified  and  anointed  with  the  Holy 
Spirit  above  measure ;P  having  in  him  all  the  treasures  of 
wisdom  and  knowledge  ;9  in  whom  it  pleased  the  Father 
that  all  fullness  should  dwell : r  to  the  end  that  being  holy, 
harmless,  undefiled,  and  full  of  grace  and  truth/  he  might 
be  thoroughly  furnished  to  execute  the  office  of  a  Mediator 
and  Surety/  Which  office  he  took  not  unto  himself,  but 

the  Highest  shall  overshadow  thee:  therefore  also  that  holy  thing 
which  shall  be  born  of  thee  shall  be  called  the  Son  of  God.  See  Gal. 
iv.  4. 

n  See  Luke  i.  35.  Matt.  xvi.  16.  And  Simon  Peter  answered  and 
said,  Thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God.  Col.  ii.  9.  For 
in  him  dwelleth  all  the  fullness  of  the  Godhead  bodily.  Rom.  ix.  5. 
Whose  are  the  fathers,  and  of  whom  as  concerning  the  flesh  Christ 
came ,  who  is  over  all,  God  blessed  for  ever.  Amen. 

0  Rom.  i.  3,  4.  Concerning  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  which  was 
made  of  the  seed  of  David  according  to  the  flesh  ;  And  declared  to  be 
the  Son  of  God  with  power,  according  to  the  Spirit  of  holiness,  by  the 
resurrection  from  the  dead.  1  Tim.  ii.  5.  For  there  is  one  God,  and 
one  mediator  between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus. 

III.  p  Psa.  xlv.  7.  God,  thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee  with  the  oil  of 
gladness  above  thy  fellows.  John  iii.  34.  For  he  whom  God  hath 
sent  speaketh  the  words  of  God :  for  God  giveth  not  the  Spirit  by 
measure  unto  him.  Heb.  i.  8,  9.  But  unto  the  Son  he  saith,  Thy  throne, 
O  God,  is  for  ever  and  ever :  a  sceptre  of  righteousness  is  the  sceptre 
of  thy  kingdom.  Thou  hast  loved  righteousness,  and  hated  iniquity; 
therefore  God,  even  thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee  with  the  oil  of  glad¬ 
ness  above  thy  fellows. 

9  Col.  ii.  3.  In  whom  are  hid  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowl¬ 
edge. 

r  Col.  i.  19.  For  it  pleased  the  Father  that  in  him  should  all  fullness 
dwell. 

•  Heb.  vii.  26.  For  such  a  high  priest  became  us,  who  is  holy,  harm¬ 
less,  undefiled,  separate  from  sinners,  and  made  higher  than  the 
heavens.  John  i.  14.  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt 
among  us,  (and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten 
of  the  Father,)  full  of  grace  and  truth. 

*  Acts  x.  38.  How  God  anointed  Jesus  of  Nazareth  with  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  with  power:  who  went  about  doing  good,  and  healing  all 


47 


Sect,  iv.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 

was  thereunto  called  by  his  Father ;u  who  put  all  power 
and  judgment  into  his  hand,  and  gave  him  commandment 
to  execute  the  same.™ 

IV.  This  office  the  Lord  Jesus  did  most  willingly  under¬ 
take  :* * * iv. v. * * * *  x  which,  that  he  might  discharge,  he  was  made  under 
the  law, V  and  did  perfectly  fulfill  it ;  2  endured  most  griev¬ 
ous  torments  immediately  in  his  soul,a  and  most  painful 
sufferings  in  his  body ; b  was  crucified,  and  died ; c  was 

that  were  oppressed  of  the  devil ;  for  God  was  with  him.  Heb.  xii. 
24.  And  to  Jesus,  the  mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  and  to  the  blood 
of  sprinkling,  that  speaketh  better  things  than  that  of  Abel.  Heb.  vii. 
22.  By  so  much  was  Jesus  made  a  surety  of  a  better  testament. 

u  Heb.  v.  4,  5.  And  no  man  taketh  this  honor  unto  himself,  but  he 
that  is  called  of  God,  as  was  Aaron.  So  also  Christ  glorified  not  him¬ 
self  to  be  made  a  high  priest ;  but  he  that  said  unto  him,  Thou  art 
my  Son,  to  day  have  I  begotten  thee. 

w  John  v.  22,  27.  For  the  Father  judgeth  no  man,  but  hath  com¬ 
mitted  all  judgment  unto  the  Son.— And  hath  given  him  authority  to 
execute  judgment  also,  because  he  is  the  Son  of  man.  Matt,  xxviii. 
18.  And  Jesus  came  and  spake  unto  them,  saying,  All  power  is  given 
unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth. 

IV.  *Psa.  xl.  7,  8.  Then  said  I,  Lo,  I  come:  in  the  volume  of  the 
book  it  is  written  of  me,  I  delight  to  do  thy  will,  O  my  God :  yea,  thy 
law  is  within  my  heart.  Heb.  x.  5,  7.  Wherefore,  when  he  cometh 
into  the  world,  he  saith,  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou  wouldest  not,  but 
a  body  hast  thou  prepared  me— Then  said  I,  Lo,  I  come  (in  the 
volume  of  the  book  it  is  written  of  me)  to  do  thy  will,  O  God.  John 

iv.  34.  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  My  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  him  that 
sent  me,  and  to  finish  his  work.  Phil.  ii.  8.  And  being  found  in 
fashion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient  unto 
death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross. 

yGal.  iv.  4.  But  when  the  fullness  of  the  time  was  come,  God  sent 
forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law. 

sMatt.  iii.  15.  Thus  it  becometh  us  to  fulfill  all  righteousness.  Matt. 

v.  17.— I  am  not  come  to  destroy,  but  to  fulfill. 

“Matt.  xxvi.  37,  38.  And  he  took  with  him  Peter  and  the  two  sons 

of  Zebedee,  and  began  to  be  sorrowful  and  very  heavy.  Then  saith  he 

unto  them,  My  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful,  even  unto  death.  Luke 
xxii.  44.  And  being  in  an  agony  he  prayed  more  earnestly  •  and  his 
sweat  was  as  it  were  great  drops  of  blood  falling  down  to  the  ground. 
Matt,  xxvii.  46.  And  about  the  ninth  hour  Jesus  cried  with  a  loud 
voice,  saying,  Eli,  Eli,  lama  sabachthani?  that  is  to  say,  My  God,  my 
God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me? 

ftSee  Matt.  xxvi.  and  xxvii. 

e  Phil.  ii.  8.  And  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  him¬ 
self,  and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross. 


48 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap,  vm, 


buried,  and  remained  under  the  power  of  death,  yet  saw 
no  corruption. d  On  the  third  day  he  arose  from  the  dead,6 
with  the  same  body  in  which  he  suffered ;/  with  which 
also  he  ascended  into  heaven,  and  there  sitteth  at  the  right 
hand  of  his  Father, 0  making  intercession  ;h  and  shall  return 
to  judge  men  and  angels,  at  the  end  of  the  world.* 


^Matt.  xxvii.  GO.  And  laid  it  in  liis  own  new  tomb,  which  he  had 
hewn  out  in  the  rock :  and  he  rolled  a  great  stone  to  the  door  of  the 
sepulchre,  and  departed.  Acts  ii.  24,  27.  Whom  God  hath  raised  up, 
having  loosed  the  pains  of  death :  because  it  was  not  possible  that  he 
should  be  holden  of  it.— Because  thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell, 
neither  wilt  thou  suffer  thine  Holy  One  to  see  corruption.  Acts  xiii. 
37.  But  he,  whom  God  raised  again,  saw  no  corruption. 

'1  Cor.  xv.  4.  That  he  was  buried,  and  that  he  rose  again  the  third 
day,  according  to  the  Scriptures. 

/John  xx.  25,  27.  But  he  said  unto  them,  Except  I  shall  see  in  his 
hands  the  print  of  the  nails,  and  put  my  finger  into  the  print  of  the 
nails,  and  thrust  my  hand  into  his  side,  I  will  not  believe. — Then 
saith  he  to  Thomas,  Reach  hither  thy  finger,  and  behold  my  hands; 
and  reach  hither  thy  hand,  and  thrust  it  into  my  side ;  and  be  not 
faithless,  but  believing. 

3  Luke  xxiv.  50,  51.  And  he  led  them  out  as  far  as  to  Bethany,  and 
he  lifted  up  his  hands,  and  blessed  them.  And  it  came  to  pass,  while 
he  blessed  them,  he  was  parted  from  them,  and  carried  up  into 
heaven.  1  Pet.  iii.  22.  Who  is  gone  into  heaven,  and  is  on  the  right 
hand  of  God  ;  angels  and  authorities  and  powers  being  made  subject 
unto  him.  Rom.  viii.  34.  Who  is  he  that  condemneth?  It  is  Christ 
that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is  risen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  who  also  maketh  intercession  for  us. 

h  Rom.  viii.  34.  Who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  also 
maketh  intercession  for  us.  Heb.  vii.  25.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also 
to  save  them  to  the  uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he 
ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them. 

‘Rom.  xiv.  10.  For  we  shall  all  stand  before  the  judgment  seat  of 
Christ.  Acts  i.  11.  Which  also  said,  Ye  men  of  Galilee,  why  stand  ye 
gazing  up  into  heaven?  this  same  Jesus,  which  is  taken  up  from  you 
into  heaven,  shall  so  come  in  like  manner  as  ye  have  seen  h-im  go 
into  heaven.  See  Acts  x.  42.  John  v.  28,  29.  Marvel  not  at  this:  for 
the  hour  is  coming,  in  the  which  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall  hear 
his  voice,  And  shall  come  forth ;  they  that  have  done  good,  unto  the 
resurrection  of  life ;  and  they  that  have  done  evil,  unto  the  resurrec¬ 
tion  of  damnation.  Matt.  xiii.  40—12.  As  therefore  the  tares  are 
gathered  and  burned  in  the  fire;  so  shall  it  be  in  the  end  of  this 
world.  The  Son  of  man  shall  send  forth  his  angels,  and  they  shall 
gather  out  of  his  kingdom  all  things  that  offend,  and  them  which  do 
iniquity ;  And  shaif  cast  inem  into  a  furnace  of  fire :  there  shall  be 


sect,  vi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


49 


V.  The  Lord  Jesus,  by  his  perfect  obedience  and  sacri¬ 
fice  of  himself,  which  he  through  the  eternal  Spirit  once 
offered  up  unto  God,  hath  fully  satisfied  the  justice  of  his 
Father ; k  and  purchased  not  only  reconciliation,  but  an 
everlasting  inheritance  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  for  all 
those  whom  the  Father  hath  given  unto  him.*  1 

VI.  Although  the  work  of  redemption  was  not  actually 
wrought  by  Christ  till  after  his  incarnation,  yet  the  virtue, 
efficacy,  and  benefits  thereof,  were  communicated  unto  the 
elect,  in  all  ages  successively  from  the  beginning  of  the 
world,  in  and  by  those  promises,  types,  and  sacrifices, 
wherein  he  was  revealed  and  signified  to  be  the  seed  of  the 
woman  which  should  bruise  the  serpent’s  head,  and  the 

wailing  and  gnashing  of  teeth.  Jude  6.  And  the  angels  which  kept 
not  their  first  estate,  but  left  their  own  habitation,  he  hath  reserved 
in  everlasting  chains  under  darkness  unto  the  judgment  of  the  great 
day.  See  2  Pet.  ii.  4. 

V.  k  Rom.  v.  19.  For  as  by  one  man’s  disobedience  many  were 
made  sinners,  so  by  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  right¬ 
eous.  Rom.  iii.  25,  26.  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitiation 
through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteousness  for  the  remis¬ 
sion  of  sins  that  are  past,  through  the  forbearance  of  God ;  To  declare, 
I  say,  at  this  time  his  righteousness :  that  he  might  be  just,  and  the 
justifier  of  him  which  believeth  in  Jesus.  Heb.  x.  14.  For  by  one 
offering  he  hath  perfected  for  ever  them  that  are  sanctified.  See 
Eph.  v.  2. 

1  Eph.  i.  11, 14.  In  whom  also  we  have  obtained  an  inheritance, 
being  predestinated  according  to  the  purpose  of  him  who  worketh  all 
things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will.— Which  is  the  earnest  of  our 
inheritance  until  the  redemption  of  the  purchased  possession,  unto 
the  praise  of  his  glory.  Col.  i.  20.  And,  having  made  peace  through 
the  blood  of  his  cross,  by  him  to  reconcile  all  things  unto  himself ; 
by  him,  I  say,  whether  they  be  things  in  earth,  or  things  in  heaven. 

1  Cor.  v.  18,  20.  And  all  things  are  of  God,  who  hath  reconciled  us  to 
himself  by  Jesus  Christ,  and  hath  given  to  us  the  ministry  of  recon¬ 
ciliation.— Now  then  we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  as  though  God 
did  beseech  you  by  us  :  we  pray  you  in  Christ’s  stead,  be  ye  reconciled 
to  God.  John  xvii.  2.  As  thou  hast  given  him  power  over  all  flesh, 
that  he  should  give  eternal  life  to  as  many  as  thou  hast  given  him. 
Heb.  ix.  12,  15.  Neither  by  the  blood  of  goats  and  calves,  but  by  his 
own  blood  he  entered  in  once  into  the  holy  place,  having  obtained 
eternal  redemption  for  us—  And  for  this  cause  he  is  the  mediator  of 
the  new  testament,  that  by  means  of  death,  for  the  redemption  of  the 
transgressions  that  were  under  the  first  testament,  they  which  ar# 
called  might  receive  the  promise  of  eternal  inheritance. 

4 


50 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  vnt. 


Lamb  slain  from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  being  yester¬ 
day  and  to-day  the  same,  and  for  ever.  m 

VII.  Christ,  in  the  work  of  mediation,  acteth  accord¬ 
ing  to  both  natures ;  by  each  nature  doing  that  which  is 
proper  to  itself :  n  yet  by  reason  of  the  unity  of  the  person, 
that  which  is  proper  to  one  nature,  is  sometimes  in  Script¬ 
ure,  attributed  to  the  person  denominated  by  the  other 
nature. 0 

VIII.  To  all  those  for  whom  Christ  hath  purchased  re¬ 
demption,  he  doth  certainly  and  effectually  apply  and 
communicate  the  same;P  making  intercession  for  them, Q 


VI.  m  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  But  when  the  fullness  of  the  time  was  come, 
God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law,  Tc 
redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive  the 
adoption  of  sons.  Gen.  iii.  15.  And  I  will  put  enmity  between  thee 
and  the  woman,  and  between  thy  seed  and  her  seed  ;  it  shall  bruise 
thy  head,  and  thou  shalt  bruise  his  heel.  Heb.  xiii.  8.  Jesus  Christ 
the  same  yesterday,  and  to  day,  and  for  ever. 

VII.  n  John  x.  17,  18.  Therefore  doth  my  Father  love  me,  because  I 
lay  down  my  life,  that  I  might  take  it  again.  No  man  taketh  it  from 
me,  but  I  lay  it  down  of  myself.  I  have  power  to  lay  it  down,  and  I 
have  power  to  take  it  again.  This  commandment  have  I  received  of 
my  Father.  1  Pet.  iii.  18.  For  Christ  also  hath  once  suffered  for  sins, 
the  just  for  the  unjust,  that  he  might  bring  us  to  God,  being  put  to 
death  in  the  flesh,  but  quickened  by  the  Spirit.  Heb.  ix.  14.  How 
much  more  shall  the  blood  of  Christ,  who  through  the  eternal  Spirit 
offered  himself  without  spot  to  God,  purge  your  conscience  from 
dead  works  to  serve  the  living  God? 

•Acts  xx.  28.  Feed  the  church  of  God,  which  he  hath  purchased 
with  his  own  blood.  John  iii.  13.  And  no  man  hath  ascended  up  to 
heaven,  but  he  that  came  down  from  heaven,  even  the  Son  of  man, 
which  is  in  heaven. 

VIII.  p  John  vi.  37,  39.  All  that  the  Father  giveth  me  shall  come  to 
me ;  and  him  that  cometh  to  me,  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out.— And  this 
is  the  Father’s  will  which  hath  sent  me,  that  of  all  which  he  hath 
given  me  I  should  lose  nothing,  but  should  raise  it  up  again  at  the 
last  day.  John  x.  15, 16,  27,  28.  As  the  Father  knoweth  me,  even  so 
know  I  the  Father :  and  I  lay  down  my  life  for  the  sheep.  And  other 
sheep  I  have,  which  are  not  of  this  fold  :  them  also  I  must  bring,  and 
they  shall  hear  my  voice;  and  there  shall  be  one  fold,  and  one  shep¬ 
herd.— My  sheep  hear  my  voice,  and  I  know  them,  and  they  follow 
me:  And  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life  ;  and  they  shall  never  perish, 
neither  shall  any  man  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand. 

9 1  John  ii.  1.  If  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with  the  Father, 
Jesus  Christ  the  righteous.  Rom.  viii.  34.  It  is  Christ  that  died,  yea 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


51 


and  revealing  unto  them,  in  and  by  the  Word,  the  myste¬ 
ries  of  salvation  ;r  effectually  persuading  them  by  his  Spirit 
to  believe  and  obey;  and  governing  their  hearts  by  his 
Word  and  Spirit; s  overcoming  all  their  enemies  by  his  al¬ 
mighty  power  and  wisdom,  in  such  manner  and  ways  as 
are  most  consonant  to  his  wonderful  and  unsearchable 
dispensation.* * 


CHAPTER  IX. 

OF  FREE  WILL. 

I.  God  hath  endued  the  will  of  man  with  that  natural 
liberty,  that  it  is  neither  forced,  nor,  by  any  absolute 
necessity  of  nature,  determined  to  good  or  evil.  a 

rather,  that  is  risen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who 
also  maketh  intercession  for  us. 

r  John  xv.  15.  For  all  things  that  I  have  heard  of  my  Father  I 
have  made  known  unto  you.  Eph.  i.  9.  Having  made  known  unto 
us  the  mystery  of  his  will,  according  to  his  good  pleasure  which  he 
hath  purposed  in  himself.  John  xvii.  6.  I  have  manifested  thy  name 
unto  the  men  which  thou  gavest  me  out  of  the  world :  thine  they 
were,  and  thou  gavest  them  me ;  and  they  have  kept  thy  word. 

•  2  Cor.  iv.  13.  We  having  the  same  spirit  of  faith,  according  as  it  is 
written,  I  believed,  and  therefore  have  I  spoken ;  we  also  believe,  and 
therefore  speak.  Rom.  viii.  9, 14.  But  ye  are  not  in  the  flesh,  but  in 
the  Spirit,  if  so  be  that  the  Spirit  of  God  dwell  in  you.  Now,  if  any 
man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his.— For  as  many  as 
are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they  are  the  sons  of  God.  Rom.  xv.  18, 
19.  For  I  will  not  dare  to  speak  of  any  of  those  things  which  Christ 
hath  not  wrought  by  me,  to  make  the  Gentiles  obedient,  by  word  and 
deed,  Through  mighty  signs  and  wonders,  by  the  power  of  the  Spirit 
of  God  ;  so  that  from  Jerusalem,  and  round  about  unto  Illyricum,  I 
have  fully  preached  the  gospel  of  Christ.  John  xvii.  17.  Sanctify 
them  through  thy  truth :  thy  word  is  truth. 

1  Psa.  cx.  1.  The  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  at  my  right 
hand,  until  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  footstool.  1  Cor.  xv.  25,  26. 
For  he  must  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet.  The 
last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed  is  death.  Col.  ii.  15.  And  having 
spoiled  principalities  and  powers,  he  made  a  show  of  them  openly, 
triumphing  over  them  in  it.  Luke  x.  19.  Behold,  I  give  unto  you 
power  to  tread  on  serpents  and  scorpions,  and  over  all  the  power  of 
the  enemy  ;  and  nothing  shall  by  any  means  hurt  you. 

I.  “James  i.  14.  But  every  man  is  tempted,  when  he  is  drawn  away 


52 


CONFESSION  OF  FA  ITU.  [chap.  ix. 


II.  Man,  in  liis  state  of  innocency,  had  freedom  and 
power  to  will  and  to  do  that  which  is  good  and  well-pleas¬ 
ing  to  God ; b  but  yet  mutably,  so  that  he  might  fall  from 
it.  c 

III.  Man,  by  his  fall  into  a  state  of  sin,  hath  wholly  lost 
all  ability  of  will  to  any  spiritual  good  accompanying 
salvation ; d  so  as  a  natural  man,  being  altogether  averse 
from  that  good, e  and  dead  in  sin,  /  is  not  able,  by  his  own 

of  his  own  lust,  and  enticed.  Deut.  xxx.  19.  I  call  heaven  and  earth 
to  record  this  day  against  you,  that  I  have  set  before  you  life  and 
death,  blessing  and  cursing :  therefore  choose  life,  that  both  thou 
and  thy  seed  may  live.  John  v.  40.  And  ye  will  not  come  to  me, 
that  ye  might  have  life.  Matt.  xvii.  12.  But  I  say  unto  you,  That 
Elias  is  come  already,  and  they  knew  him  not,  but  have  done  unto 
him  whatsoever  they  listed.  Likewise  shall  also  the  Son  of  man 
suffer  of  them.  Acts  vii.  51.  Ye  stiffnecked  and  uncircumcised  in 
heart  and  ears,  ye  do  always  resist  the  Holy  Ghost :  as  your  fathers 
did ,  so  do  ye.  James  iv.  7.  Submit  yourselves  therefore  to  God.  Re¬ 
sist  the  devil,  and  he  will  flee  from  you. 

II.  b  Eccl.  vii.  29.  Lo,  this  only  have  I  found,  that  God  hath  made 
man  upright ;  but  they  have  sought  out  many  inventions.  Gen.  i.  26. 
And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,  after  our  likeness. 
Col.  iii.  10.  And  have  put  on  the  new  man ,  which  is  renewed  in 
knowledge  after  the  image  of  him  that  created  him. 

cGen.  ii.  16, 17.  And  the  Lord  God  commanded  the  man,  saying, 
Of  every  tree  of  the  garden  thou  mayest  freely  eat :  But  of  the  tree 
of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it ;  for  in  the 
day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die.  Gen.  iii.  6.  And 
when  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was  good  for  food,  and  that  it  was 
pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise,  she 
took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat,  and  gave  also  unto  her  husband 
with  her ;  and  he  did  eat. 

III.  dRom.  v.  6.  For  when  we  were  yet  without  strength,  in  due 
time  Christ  died  for  the  ungodly.  Rom.  viii.  7,  8.  Because  the  carnal 
mind  is  enmity  against  God:  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God, 
neither  indeed  can  be.  So  then  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot 
X>lease  God.  John  xv.  5.  For  without  me  ye  can  do  nothing. 

*Rom.  iii.  9,  10, 12,  23.  What  then?  are  we  better  than  they?  No,  in 
no  wise  for  we  have  before  proved  both  Jews  and  Gentiles,  that 
they  are  all  under  sin ;  As  it  is  written,  There  is  none  righteous,  no, 
not  one.— They  are  all  gone  out  of  the  way,  they  are  together  become 
unprofitable  ;  there  is  none  that  doeth  good,  no,  not  one.— For  all 
have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  the  glory  of  God. 

/Eph.  ii.  1,  5.  And  you  hath  he  quickened ,  who  were  dead  in  tres¬ 
passes  and  sins.— Even  when  we  were  dead  in  sins,  hath  quickened 
us  together  with  Christ,  (by  grace  ye  are  saved).  Col.  ii.  13.  And 
you,  being  dead  in  your  sins  and  the  uncircumcision  of  your  flesh, 


sect,  iv.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


53 


strength,  to  convert  himself,  or  to  prepare  himself  there¬ 
unto.  9 

IV.  When  God  converts  a  sinner,  and  translates  him 
into  the  state  of  grace,  he  freeth  him  from  his  natural 
bondage  under  sin,  h  and,  by  his  grace  alone,  enables  him 
freely  to  will  and  to  do  that  which  is  spiritually  good ; ' 
yet  so  as  that,  by  reason  of  his  remaining  corruption,  he 
doth  not  perfectly,  nor  only,  will  that  which  is  good,  but 
doth  also  will  that  which  is  evil.  k 

hath  he  quickened  together  with  him,  haying  forgiven  you  ail  tres¬ 
passes. 

0  John  vi.  44,  65.  No  man  can  come  to  me,  except  the  Father  which 
hath  sent  me  draw  him.— And  he  said,  Therefore  said  I  unto  you, 
that  no  man  can  come  unto  me,  except  it  were  given  unto  him  of  my 
Father.  1  Cor.  ii.  14.  But  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things 
of  the  Spirit  of  God  :  for  they  are  foolishness  unto  him:  neither  can 
he  know  them,  because  they  are  spiritually  discerned.  Tit.  iii.  3-5, 
For  we  ourselves  also  were  sometime  foolish,  disobedient,  deceived, 
serving  divers  lusts  and  pleasures,  living  in  malice  and  envy,  hate’ 
ful,  and  hating  one  another.  But  after  that  the  kindness  and  love  of 
God  our  Saviour  toward  man  appeared,  Not  by  works  of  righteous¬ 
ness  which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  bj 
the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Se^ 
Eph.  ii.  2-5. 

IV.  h  Col.  i.  13.  Who  hath  delivered  us  from  the  power  of  darkness 
and  hath  translated  us  into  the  kingdom  of  his  dear  Son.  John  viii. 
34,  36.  Jesus  answered  them,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Whoso¬ 
ever  committeth  sin  is  the  servant  of  sin.— If  the  Son  therefore  shall 
make  you  free,  ye  shall  be  free  indeed. 

*  Phil.  ii.  13.  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you  both  to  will  and 
to  do  of  his  good  pleasure.  Rom.  vi.  18,  22.  Being  then  made  free 
from  sin,  ye  became  the  servants  of  righteousness.— But  now  being 
made  free  from  sin,  and  become  servants  to  God,  ye  have  your  fruit 
unto  holiness,  and  the  end  everlasting  life. 

*  Gal.  v.  17.  For  the  flesh  lusteth  against  the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit 
against  the  flesh :  and  these  are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other ;  so 
that  ye  cannot  do  the  things  that  ye  would.  Rom.  vii.  15,  21-23.  For 
that  which  I  do,  I  allow  not:  for  what  I  would,  that  do  I  not;  but 
what  I  hate,  that  do  I.— I  find  then  a  law,  that,  when  I  would  do 
good,  evil  is  present  with  me.  For  I  delight  in  the  law  of  God  after 
the  inward  man :  But  I  see  another  law  in  my  members,  warring 
against  the  law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the 
law  of  sin  which  is  in  my  members.  1  John  i.  8, 10.  If  we  say  that 
we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. — If 
we  say  that  we  have  not  sinned,  we  make  him  a  liar,  and  his  word  is 
not  in  us. 


54 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  x. 


V.  The  will  of  man  is  made  perfectly  and  immutably 
free  to  good  alone,  in  the  state  of  glory  only/ 


CHAPTER  X. 

OF  EFFECTUAL  CALLING. 

I.  All  those  whom  God  hath  predestinated  unto  life, 
and  those  only,  he  is  pleased,  in  his  appointed  and  accept¬ 
ed  time,  effectually  to  call,a  by  his  Word  and  Spirit, b  out 

V. *  1  Eph.  iv.  13.  Till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith,  and  of 
the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto  the 
measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fullness  of  Christ.  Jude  24.  Now  unto 
him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling,  and  to  present  you  faultless 
before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy.  1  John  iii.  2. 
Beloved,  now  are  we  the  sons  of  God,  and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what 
we  shall  be :  but  we  know  that,  when  he  shall  appear,  we  shall  be 
like  him;  for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is. 

I.  a  John  xv.  16.  Ye  have  not  chosen  me,  but  I  have  chosen  you, 
and  ordained  you,  that  ye  should  go  and  bring  forth  fruit,  and  that 
your  fruit  should  remain  ;  that  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  of  the  Father 
in  my  name,  he  may  give  it  you.  Acts  xiii.  48.  And  when  the  Gen¬ 
tiles  heard  this,  they  were  glad,  and  glorified  the  word  of  the  Lord: 
and  as  many  as  were  ordained  to  eternal  life  believed.  Rom.  viii. 
28,  30.  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good  to  them 
that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpose.— 
Moreover,  whom  he  did  predestinate,  them  he  also  called ;  and  whom 
he  called,  them  he  also  justified ;  and  whom  he  justified,  them  he 
also  glorified.  Rom.  xi.  7.  What  then?  Israel  hath  not  obtained 
that  which  he  seeketh  for;  but  the  election  hath  obtained  it,  and  the 
rest  were  blinded.  Eph.  i.  5, 10.  Having  predestinated  us  unto  the 
adoption  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  according  to  the 
good  pleasure  of  his  will.— That  in  the  dispensation  of  the  fullness 
of  times  he  might  gather  together  in  one  all  things  in  Christ,  both 
which  are  in  heaven,  and  which  are  on  earth  ;  even  in  him.  1  Thess. 
v.  0.  For  God  hath  not  appointed  us  to  wrath,  but  to  obtain  salva¬ 
tion  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

b2  Thess.  ii.  13, 14.  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  you  to  sal¬ 
vation  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth  : 
Whereunto  he  called  you  by  our  gospel,  to  the  obtaining  of  the  glory 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  2  Cor.  iii.  3,  6.  Forasmuch  as  ye  are  mani¬ 
festly  declared  to  be  the  epistle  of  Christ  ministered  by  us,  written  not 
with  ink,  but  with  the  Spirit  of  the  living  God ;  not  in  tables  of  stone, 
but  in  fleshly  tables  of  the  heart.— Who  also  hath  made  us  able  min- 


SECT.  I.j 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


55 


of  that  state  of  sin  and  death,  in  which  they  are  by  nature, 
to  grace  and  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ;0  enlightening 
their  minds  spiritually  and  savingly,  to  understand  the 
things  of  God ; d  taking  away  their  heart  of  stone,  and 
giving  unto  them  an  heart  of  flesh  ;  e  renewing  their  wills, 
and  by  his  almighty  power  determining  them  to  that 
which  is  good;  /  and  effectually  drawing  them  to  Jesus 


isters  of  the  new  testament ;  not  of  the  letter,  but  of  the  spirit :  for 
the  letter  killeth,  but  the  spirit  giveth  life.  James  i.  18.  Of  his  own 
will  begat  he  us  with  the  word  of  truth,  that  we  should  be  a  kind  of 
firstfruits  of  his  creatures.  1  Cor.  ii.  12.  Now  we  have  received,  not 
the  spirit  of  the  world,  but  the  Spirit  which  is  of  God ;  that  we  might 
know  the  things  that  are  freely  given  to  us  of  God. 

e  Rom.  viii.  2.  For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  hath 
made  me  free  from  the  law  of  sin  and  death.  2  Tim.  i.  9,  10.  Who 
hath  saved  us,  and  called  us  with  a  holy  calling,  not  according  to 
our  works,  but  according  to  his  own  purpose  and  grace,  which  was 
given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began ;  But  is  now  made 
manifest  by  the  appearing  of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  abol¬ 
ished  death,  and  hath  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light  through 
the  gospel.  See  Eph.  ii.  1-10. 

d  Acts  xxvi.  18.  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from  darkness 
to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they  may  receive 
forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among  them  which  are  sanctified 
by  faith  that  is  in  me.  1  Cor.  ii.  10, 12.  But  God  hath  revealed  them 
unto  us  by  his  Spirit :  for  the  Spirit  searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the  deep 
things  of  God.— Now  we  have  received,  not  the  spirit  of  the  world,  but 
the  Spirit  which  is  of  God ;  that  we  might  know  the  things  that  are 
freely  given  to  us  of  God.  Eph.  i.  17, 18.  That  the  God  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  the  Father  of  glory,  may  give  unto  you  the  spirit  of 
wisdom  and  revelation  in  the  knowledge  of  him  :  The  eyes  of  your 
understanding  being  enlightened ;  that  ye  may  know  what  is  the 
hope  of  his  calling,  and  what  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his  inherit¬ 
ance  in  the  saints.  2  Cor.  iv.  6.  For  God,  who  commanded  the  light 
to  shine  out  of  darkness,  hath  shined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light 
of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ. 

e  Ezek.  xxxvi.  26.  A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new  spirit 
will  I  put  within  you  :  and  I  will  take  away  the  stony  heart  out  of  your 
flesh,  and  I  will  give  you  a  heart  of  flesh. 

/ Ezek.  xi.  19.  And  I  will  give  them  one  heart,  and  I  will  put  a  new 
spirit  within  you.  Deut.  xxx.  6.  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  circum¬ 
cise  thine  heart,  and  the  heart  of  thy  seed,  to  love  the  Lord  thy  God 
with  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  that  thou  mayest  live.  See 
Ezek.  xxxvi.  27.  John  iii.  5.  Jesus  answered,  Verily,  verily,  I  say 
unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit,  he  can¬ 
not  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God.  Gal.  vi.  15.  For  in  Christ  Jesus 


56  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  x. 

Christ, 0  yet  so  as  they  come  most  freely,  being  made  willing 
by  his  grace.* * 

II.  This  effectual  call  is  of  God’s  free  and  special  grace 
alone,  not  from  any  thing  at  all  foreseen  in  man/  who  is 
altogether  passive  therein,  until,  being  quickened  and 
renewed  by  the  Holy  Spirit,*  he  is  thereby  enabled  to 
answer  this  call,  and  to  embrace  the  grace  offered  and 
conveyed  in  it.* 

neither  circumcision  availeth  any  thing,  nor  uncircumcision,  but 
a  new  creature.  Tit.  iii.  5.  Not  by  works  of  righteousness  which  >ve 
have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the  washing 
of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  1  Pet.  i.  23.  Being 
born  again,  not  of  corruptible  seed,  but  of  incorruptible,  by  the  word 
of  God,  which  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever. 

s  John  vi.  44,  45.  No  man  can  come  to  me,  except  the  Father  which 
hath  sent  me  draw  him.— Every  man  therefore  that  hath  heard,  and 
hath  learned  of  the  Father,  cometh  unto  me. 

h  Psa.  cx.  3.  Thy  people  shall  he  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power,  in 
the  beauties  of  holiness  from  the  womb  of  the  morning:  thou  hast 
the  dew  of  thy  youth.  John  vi.  37.  All  that  the  Father  giveth  me 
shall  come  to  me ;  and  him  that  cometh  to  me  I  will  in  no  wise  cast 
out.  Matt.  xi.  28.  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.  Rev.  xxii.  17.  And  the  Spirit  and  the 
bride  say,  Come.  And  let  him  that  heareth  say,  Come.  And  let  him 
that  is  athirst  come.  And  whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water  of 
life  freely. 

II.  »2  Tim.  i.  9.  Who  hath  saved  us,  and  called  us  with  a  holy  call¬ 
ing,  not  according  to  our  works,  but  according  to  his  own  purpose  and 
grace,  which  was  given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began. 
Tit.  iii.  4,  5.  But  after  that  the  kindness  and  love  of  God  our  Saviour 
toward  man  appeared,  Not  by  works  of  righteousness  which  we  have 
done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  re¬ 
generation,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Rom.  ix.  11.  For  the 
children  being  not  yet  born,  neither  having  done  any  good  or  evil, 
that  the  purpose  of  God  according  to  election  might  stand,  not  of 
works,  but  of  him  that  calleth. 

*1  Cor.  ii.  14.  But  the  natural  man  reeeiveth  not  the  things  of  the 
Spirit  of  God :  for  they  are  foolishness  unto  him  :  neither  can  he  know 
them,  because  they  are  spiritually  discerned.  Rom.  viii.  7-9.  Because 
the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God  :  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the 
law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be.  So  then  they  that  are  in  the  flesh 
cannot  please  God.  But  ye  are  not  in  the  flesh,  but  in  the  Spirit,  if 
so  be  that  the  Spirit  of  God  dwell  in  you.  Now  if  any  man  have  not 
the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his.  Eph.  ii.  5.  Even  when  we 
were  dead  in  sins,  hath  quickened  us  together  with  Christ ;  (by  grace 
ye  are  saved.) 

*  John  vi.  37.  All  that  the  Father  giveth  me  shall  come  to  me  ;  and 


sect,  iv.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


57 


III. *Elect  infants,  dying  in  infancy,  are  regenerated 
and  saved  by  Christ  through  the  Spirit,771  who  worketh 
when,  and  where,  and  how  he  pleaseth.71  So  also  are  all 
other  elect  persons,  who  are  incapable  of  being  outwardly 
called  by  the  ministry  of  the  Word.0 

IV.  Others,  not  elected,  although  they  may  be  called  by 
the  ministry  of  the  Word,P  and  may  have  some  common 

him  that  cometh  to  me  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out.  Ezek.  xxxvi.  27. 
And  I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you,  and  cause  you  to  walk  in  my 
statutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my  judgments,  and  do  them.  John  v.  25. 
Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  The  hour  is  coming,  and  now  is,  when 
the  dead  shall  hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  God  :  and  they  that  hear 
shall  live. 

III.  m  Gen.  xvii.  7.  And  I  will  establish  my  covenant  between  me 
and  thee  and  thy  seed  after  thee  in  their  generations,  for  an  everlast¬ 
ing  covenant,  to  be  a  God  unto  thee  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee.  Psa. 
cv.  8-10.  He  hath  remembered  his  covenant  for  ever,  the  wrord  which 
he  commanded  to  a  thousand  generations.  Which  covenant  he  made 
with  Abraham,  and  his  oath  unto  Isaac;  And  confirmed  the  same 
unto  Jacob  for  a  law,  and  to  Israel  for  an  everlasting  covenant.  Ezek. 
xvi.  20,  21.  Moreover  thou  hast  taken  thy  sons  and  thy  daughters, 
whom  thou  hast  borne  unto  me,  and  these  hast  thou  sacrificed  unto 
them  to  be  devoured.  Is  this  of  thy  whoredoms  a  small  matter,  That 
thou  hast  slain  my  children,  and  delivered  them  to  cause  them  to 
pass  through  the  fire  for  them  ?  Luke  xviii.  15, 16.  And  they  brought 
unto  him  also  infants,  that  he  would  touch  them  :  but  when  his  dis¬ 
ciples  saw  it,  they  rebuked  them.  But  Jesus  called  them  unto  him, 
and  said,  Suffer  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not : 
for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God.  Acts  ii.  39.  For  the  promise  is 
unto  you,  and  to  your  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off,  even  as 
many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call.  Gal.  iii.  29.  And  if  ye  he 
Christ’s,  then  are  ye  Abraham’s  seed,  and  heirs  according  to  the 
promise.  See  Acts  xvi.  15,  31-33;  1  Cor.  i.  16;  John  iii.  6. 

"John  iii.  8.  The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and  thou  hearest 
the  sound  thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence  it  cometh,  and  whither 
it  goeth  :  so  is  every  one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit. 

0  John  xvi.  7,  8.  For  if  I  go  not  away,  the  Comforter  will  not  come 
unto  you;  but  if  I  depart,  I  will  send  him  unto  you.  And  when  I  e 
is  come,  he  will  reprove  the  world  of  sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and 
of  judgment.  1  John  v.  12.  He  that  hath  the  Son  hath  life  ;  and  he 
that  hath  not  the  Son  of  God  hath  not  life.  Acts  iv.  12.  Neither  is 
there  salvation  in  any  other :  for  there  is  none  other  name  under 
heaven  given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved. 

IV.  p  Matt.  xiii.  14,  15.  And  in  them  is  fulfilled  the  prophecy  of 
Esaias,  which  saith,  By  hearing  ye  shall  hear,  and  shall  not  under¬ 
stand;  and  seeing  ye  shall  see,  and  shall  not  perceive:  For  this 
people’s  heart  is  waxed  gross,  and  their  ears  are  dull  of  hearing,  and 

*  See  Declaratory  Statement,  p.  1385. 


58 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  x. 


operations  of  the  Spirit,  Q  yet  they  never  truly  come  to 
Christ,  and  therefore  cannot  be  saved : r  much  less  can 
men,  not  professing  the  Christian  religion,  be  saved  in  any 
other  way  whatsoever,  be  they  never  so  diligent  to  frame 
their  lives  according  to  the  light  of  nature,  and  the  law 
of  that  religion  they  do  profess ;  s  and  to  assert  and  main¬ 
tain  that  they  may  is  very  pernicious,  and  to  be  detested.* * 

their  eyes  they  have  closed ;  lest  at  any  time  they  should  see  with 
their  eyes,  and  hear  with  their  ears,  and  should  understand  with  their 
heart,  and  should  be  converted,  and  I  should  heal  them.  Acts 
xxviii.  24.  And  some  believed  the  things  which  were  spoken,  and 
some  believed  not.  Matt.  xxii.  14.  For  many  are  called,  but  few  are 
chosen. 

9  Matt.  xiii.  20,  21.  But  he  that  received  the  seed  into  stony  places, 
the  same  is  he  that  heareth  the  word,  and  anon  with  joy  receiveth 
it ;  Yet  hath  he  not  root  in  himself,  but  dureth  for  a  while :  for  when 
tribulation  or  persecution  ariseth  because  of  the  word,  by  and  by  he 
is  offended.  Matt.  vii.  22.  Many  will  say  to  me  in  that  day,  Lord, 
Lord,  have  w'e  not  prophesied  in  thy  name?  and  in  thy  name  have 
cast  out  devils  ?  and  in  thy  name  done  many  wonderful  works?  Heb. 
vi.  4,  5.  For  it  is  impossible  for  those  who  were  once  enlightened, 
and  have  tasted  of  the  heavenly  gift,  and  were  made  partakers  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  And  have  tasted  the  good  word  of  God,  and  the  powers 
of  the  wrorld  to  come. 

r  John  vi.  f>4-66.  But  there  are  some  of  you  that  believe  not. 
For  Jesus  knew  from  the  beginning  who  they  were  that  believed  not, 
and  who  should  betray  him.  And  he  said,  Therefore  said  I  unto  you, 
that  no  man  can  come  unto  me,  except  it  were  given  unto  him  of  my 
Father.  From  that  time  many  of  his  disciples  went  back,  and  walked 
no  more  with  him.  John  viii.  24.  I  said  therefore  unto  you,  that  ye 
shall  die  in  your  sins  :  for  if  ye  believe  not  that  I  am  he,  ye  shall  die 
in  }our  sins. 

•  Acts  iv.  12.  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other :  for  there  is 
none  other  name  under  heaven  given  among  men,  whereby  we  must 
be  saved.  John  xiv.  6.  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way,  the 
truth,  and  the  life:  no  man  cometh  unto  the  Father  but  by  me. 
John  xvii.  3.  And  this  is  life  eternal,  that  they  might  know  thee  the 
only  true  God.  and  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou  hast  sent.  Eph.  ii.  12, 13. 
That  at  that  time  ye  were  without  Christ,  being  aliens  from  the  com¬ 
monwealth  of  Israel,  and  strangers  from  the  covenants  of  promise, 
having  no  hope,  and  without  God  in  the  world :  But  now,  in  Christ 
Jesus,  ye  who  sometime  were  far  off  are  made  nigh  by  the  blood  of 
Christ. 

*2  John  10,  11.  If  there  come  any  unto  you,  and  bring  not  this 
doctrine,  receive  him  not  into  your  house,  neither  bid  him  God 
speed:  For  he  that  biddeth  him  God  speed,  is  partaker  of  his  evil 
deeds.  Gal.  i.  8.  But  though  we,  or  an  angel  from  heaven,  preach 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


59 


CHAPTER  XI. 

OF  JUSTIFICATION. 

I.  Those  whom  God  effectually  calleth,  he  also  freely 
justifieth  :  a  not  by  infusing  righteousness  into  them,  but 
by  pardoning  their  sins,  and  by  accounting  and  accepting 
their  persons  as  righteous :  not  for  any  thing  wrought  in 
them,  or  done  by  them,  but  for  Christ’s  sake  alone:  not 
by  imputing  faith  itself,  the  act  of  believing,  or  any  other 
evangelical  obedience  to  them,  as  their  righteousness;  but 
by  imputing  the  obedience  and  satisfaction  of  Christ  unto 
them,&  they  receiving  and  resting  on  him  and  his  right¬ 
eousness  by  faith ;  which  faith  they  have  not  of  them¬ 
selves,  it  is  the  gift  of  God.c 

any  other  gospel  unto  you  than  that  which  we  have  preached  unto 
you,  let  him  be  accursed.  1  Cor.  xvi.  22.  If  any  man  love  not  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  let  him  be  Anathema. 

I.  «  Rom.  viii.  30.  Whom  he  called,  them  he  also  justified.  Rom. 
iii.  24.  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through  the  redemption 
that  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

h  Rom.  iii.  22,  24,  25,  27,  28.  Even  the  righteousness  of  God  which  is 
by  faith  of  Jesus  Christ  unto  all  and  upon  all  them  that  believe  ;  for 
there  is  no  difference.— Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through 
the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus  :  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to 
he  a  propitiation  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteous¬ 
ness  for  the  remission  of  sins  that  are  past,  through  the  forbearance 
of  God.— Where  is  boasting  then?  It  is  excluded.  By  what  law?  of 
works?  Nay  ;  but  by  the  law  of  faith.  Therefore  we  conclude  that  a 
man  is  justified  by  faith  without  the  deeds  of  the  law.  See  Rom.  iv. 
5-8.  2  Cor.  v.  19,  21.  To  wit,  that  God  was  in  Christ,  reconciling  the 
world  unto  himself,  not  imputing  their  trespasses  unto  them ;  and 
hath  committed  unto  us  the  word  of  reconciliation.— For  he  hath 
made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin  ;  that  we  might  be  made 
the  righteousness  of  God  in  him.  Tit.  iii.  5,  7.  Not  by  works  of 
righteousness  which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he 
saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.— That  being  justified  by  his  grace,  we  should  be  made  heirs 
according  to  the  hope  of  eternal  life.  Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have 
redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to 
the  riches  of  his  grace.  Jer.  xxiii.  6.  In  his  days  Judah  shall  be 
saved,  and  Israel  shall  dwell  safely :  and  this  is  his  name  whereby 
he  shall  be  called,  THE  LORD  OUR  RIGHTEOUSNESS.  See  1  Cor.  i. 
30,  31;  Rom.  v.  17, 19. 

•  John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power 


60 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xi. 


II.  Faith,  thus  receiving  and  resting  on  Christ  and  his 
righteousness,  is  the  alone  instrument  of  justification  ;d  yet 
is  it  not  alone  in  the  person  justified,  but  is  ever  accompa¬ 
nied  with  all  other  saving  graces,  and  is  no  dead  faith,  but 
worketh  by  love.e 

III.  Christ,  by  his  obedience  and  death,  did  fully  dis¬ 
charge  the  debt  of  all  those  that  are  thus  justified,  and  did 
make  a  proper,  real,  and  full  satisfaction  to  his  Father’s 
justice  in  their  behalf./  Yet,  inasmuch  as  he  was  given 


to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his  name. 
John  vi.  44,  45.  No  man  can  come  to  me,  except  the  Father  which 
hath  sent  me  draw  him  :  and  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day.  It 
is  written  in  the  prophets,  And  they  shall  be  all  taught  of  God. 
Every  man  therefore  that  hath  heard,  and  hath  learned  of  the 
Father,  cometh  unto  me.  Acts  x.  43,  44.  To  him  give  all  the  prophets 
witness,  that  through  his  name  whosoever  believeth  in  him  shall 
receive  remission  of  sins.  While  Peter  yet  spake  these  words,  the 
Holy  Ghost  fell  on  all  them  which  heard  the  word.  See  Acts  xiii.  38, 
39.  Phil.  i.  29.  For  unto  you  it  is  given  in  the  behalf  of  Christ,  not 
only  to  believe  on  him,  but  also  to  suffer  for  his  sake.  Phil.  iii.  9. 
And  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteousness,  which  is 
of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the  right¬ 
eousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith.  Eph.  ii.  8.  For  by  grace  are  ye 
saved  through  faith ;  and  that  not  of  yourselves :  it  is  the  gift  of  God. 

II.  d  John  iii.  16,  18,  36.  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave 
his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not 
perish,  but  have  everlasting  life— He  that  believeth  on  him  is  not 
condemned :  but  he  that  believeth  not  is  condemned  already,  because 
he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God. — 
He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  hath  everlasting  life :  and  he  that 
believeth  not  the  Son  shall  not  see  life ;  but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth 
on  him.  Rom.  iii.  28.  Therefore  we  conclude  that  a  man  is  justified 
by  faith  without  the  deeds  of  the  law.  Rom.  v.  1.  Therefore,  being 
justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

•Jam.  ii.  17,  22,  26.  Even  so  faith,  if  it  hath  not  works,  is  dead,  being 
alone.— Seest  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his  works,  and  by  works 
was  faith  made  perfect?— For  as  the  body  without  the  spirit  is  dead, 
so  faith  without  works  is  dead  also.  (nil.  v.  6.  For  in  Jesus  Christ 
neither  circumcision  availeth  any  thing,  nor  uncircumcision ;  but 
faith  which  worketh  by  love. 

III.  /  Rom.  v.  8,  9, 18.  Rut  God  commendetli  li is  love  toward  us,  in 
that,  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  Much  more  then, 
being  now  justified  by  his  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath 
through  him. — Therefore,  us  by  the  offence  of  one  judgment  came  upon 


sect.  iv.  ]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


61 


by  the  Father  for  them  ;9  and  his  obedience  and  satisfac¬ 
tion  accepted  in  their  stead  ;h  and,  both,  freely,  not  for  any 
thing  in  them,  their  justification  is  only  of  free  grace ; i * iii. iv. 
that  both  the  exact  justice,  and  rich  grace  of  God,  might 
be  glorified  in  the  justification  of  sinners.^ 

IV.  God  did,  from  all  eternity,  decree  to  justify  all  the 
elect  ;l  and  Christ  did,  in  the  fullness  of  time,  die  for  their 
sins,  and  rise  again  for  their  justification : m  nevertheless 


all  men  to  condemnation ;  even  so  by  the  righteousness  of  one  the 
free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  justification  of  life.  1  Tim.  ii.  5,  6. 
For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  mediator  between  God  and  men,  the 
man  Christ  Jesus ;  Who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all,  to  be  testified 
in  due  time.  Heb.  x.  10,  14.  By  the  which  will  we  are  sanctified 
through  the  offering  of  the  body  of  Jesus  Christ  once  for  all—  For  by 
one  offering  he  hath  perfected  for  ever  them  that  are  sanctified.  See 
Isa.  liii. 

^Rom.  viii.  32.  He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him 
up  for  us  all,  how  shall  he  not  with  him  also  freely  give  us  all  things? 

h2  Cor.  v.  21.  For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no 
sin ;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him.  Matt. 

iii.  17.  And,  lo,  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying,  This  is  my  beloved  Son, 
in  whom  I  am  well  pleased.  Eph.  v.  2.  And  walk  in  love,  as  Christ 
also  hath  loved  us,  and  hath  given  himself  for  us  an  offering  and  a 
sacrifice  to  God  for  a  sweet  smelling  savor. 

*Rom.  iii.  24.  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through  the  re¬ 
demption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have  re¬ 
demption  through  his  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the 
riches  of  his  grace. 

*Rom.  iii.  26.  To  declare,  I  say,  at  this  time  his  righteousness :  that 
he  might  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  him  which  believeth  in  Jesus. 
Eph.  ii.  7.  That  in  the  ages  to  come  he  might  show  the  exceeding 
riches  of  his  grace  in  his  kindness  toward  us,  through  Christ  Jesus. 

IV. 1  Gal.  iii.  8.  And  the  Scripture,  foreseeing  that  God  would  justify 
the  heathen  through  faith,  preached  before  the  gospel  unto  Abraham, 
saying ,  In  thee  shall  all  nations  be  blessed.  1  Pet.  i.  2, 19,  20.  Elect 
according  to  the  foreknowledge  of  God  the  Father,  through  sanctifi¬ 
cation  of  the  Spirit,  unto  obedience  and  sprinkling  of  the  blood  of 
Jesus  Christ.— But  with  the  precious  blood  of  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb 
without  blemish  and  without  spot:  Who  verily  was  foreordained  be¬ 
fore  the  foundation  of  the  world,  but  was  manifest  in  these  last  times 
for  you.  See  Rom.  viii.  30. 

mGal.  iv.  4.  But  when  the  fullness  of  the  time  was  come,  God  sent 
forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law.  1  Tim.  ii.  6. 
Who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all,  to  be  testified  in  due  time.  Rom. 

iv.  25.  Who  was  delivered  for  our  offences,  and  was  raised  again  for 
our  justification.  1  Pet.  i.  21.  Who  by  him  do  believe  in  God,  that 


62 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xi. 


they  are  not  justified,  until  the  Holy  Spirit  doth,  in  due 
time,  actually  apply  Christ  unto  them.71 

V.  God  doth  continue  to  forgive  the  sins  of  those  that 
are  justified :  0  and  although  they  can  never  fall  from  the 
state  of  justification,  P  yet  they  may  by  their  sins  fall  under 
God’s  fatherly  displeasure,  and  not  have  the  light  of  his 
countenance  restored  unto  them,  until  they  humble  them¬ 
selves,  confess  their  sins,  beg  pardon,  and  renew  their  faith 
and  repentance.? 

VI.  The  justification  of  believers  under  the  Old  Testa- 

raised  him  up  from  the  dead,  and  gave  him  glory ;  that  your  faith 
and  hope  might  be  in  God. 

n  Col.  i.  21,  22.  And  you,  that  were  sometime  alienated  and  enemies 
in  your  mind  by  wicked  works,  yet  now  hath  he  reconciled,  In  the 
body  of  his  flesh  through  death,  to  present  you  holy  and  unblamable 
and  unreprovable  in  his  sight.  Tit.  iii.  4-7.  But  after  that  the  kind¬ 
ness  and  love  of  God  our  Saviour  toward  man  appeared,  Not  by  works 
of  righteousness  which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he 
saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost;  Which  he  shed  on  us  abundantly  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Saviour ;  That  being  justified  by  his  grace,  we  should  be  made  heirs 
according  to  the  hope  of  eternal  life. 

V. 0  Matt.  vi.  12.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debt¬ 
ors.  1  John  i.  7,  9.  But  if  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  he  is  in  the  light, 
we  have  fellowship  one  with  another,  and  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ 
his  Son  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin.— If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faith¬ 
ful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  unright¬ 
eousness.  1  John  ii.  1,  2.  If  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with 
the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous  :  And  he  is  the  propitiation  for 
our  sins :  and  not  for  ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world. 

p  Luke  xxii.  32.  But  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not  : 
and  when  thou  art  converted,  strengthen  thy  brethren.  John  x.  28. 
And  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life  ;  and  they  shall  never  perish,  neither 
shall  any  man  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand.  Heb.  x.  14.  For  by  one 
ottering  he  hath  perfected  for  ever  them  that  are  sanctified.  See 
Proofs  under  Chapter  xvii. 

«Psa.  lxxxix.  31-33.  If  they  break  my  statutes,  and  keep  not  my 
commandments ;  Then  will  I  visit  their  transgression  with  the  rod, 
and  their  iniquity  with  stripes.  Nevertheless  my  loving-kindness  will 
I  not  utterly  take  from  him,  nor  suffer  my  faithfulness  to  fail.  I’sa. 
xxxii.  5.  I  acknowledged  my  sin  unto  thee,  and  mine  iniquity  have 
I  not  hid.  I  said,  I  will  confess  my  transgressions  unto  the  Lord  ;  and 
thou  forgavest  the  iniquity  of  my  sin.  Matt.  xxvi.  75.  And  Peter  re¬ 
membered  the  word  of  Jesus.— And  he  went  out,  and  wept  bitterly. 
See  Psa.  li.  and  1  Cor.  xi.  30,  32. 


sect,  ij  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  63 

ment  was,  in  all  these  respects,  one  and  the  same  with  the 
justification  of  believers  under  the  New  Testament.7* * 


CHAPTER  XII. 

OF  ADOPTION. 

I.  All  those  that  are  justified,  God  vouchsafeth,  in  and 
for  his  only  Son  Jesus  Christ,  to  make  partakers  of  the 
grace  of  adoption : a  by  which  they  are  taken  into  the 
number,  and  enjoy  the  liberties  and  privileges  of  the 
children  of  God;b  have  his  name  put  upon  them ; c  re¬ 
ceive  the  Spirit  of  adoption ; d  have  access  to  the  throne 


VI.  rGal.  iii.  9, 13,  14.  So  then  they  which  he  of  faith  are  blessed 
with  faithful  Abraham. — Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of 
the  law,  being  made  a  curse  for  us  :  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every 
one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree :  That  the  blessing  of  Abraham  might  come 
on  the  Gentiles  through  Jesus  Christ ;  that  we  might  receive  the  pro¬ 
mise  of  the  Spirit  through  faith.  Rom.  iv.  22-24.  And  therefore  it  was 
imputed  to  him  for  righteousness.  Now,  it  was  not  written  for  his 
sake  alone,  that  it  was  imputed  to  him ;  But  for  us  also,  to  whom  it 
shall  be  imputed,  if  we  believe  on  him  that  raised  up  Jesus  our  Lord 
from  the  dead. 

I.  a  Eph.  i.  5.  Having  predestinated  us  unto  the  adoption  of  children 
by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will. 
Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under 
the  law,  To  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might 
receive  the  adoption  of  sons. 

*Rom.  viii.  17.  And  if  children,  then  heirs  ;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint 
heirs  with  Christ ;  if  so  be  that  we  suffer  with  him,  that  we  may  be 
also  glorified  together.  John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to 
them  gave  he  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that 
believe  on  his  name. 

•  Jer.  xiv.  9.  Yet  thou,  O  Lord,  art  in  the  midst  of  us,  and  we  are 
called  by  thy  name;  leave  us  not.  2  Cor.  vi.  18.  And  will  be  a 
Father  unto  you,  and  ye  shall  be  my  sons  and  daughters,  saith  the 
Lord  Almighty.  Rev.  iii.  12.  Him  that  overcometh  will  I  make  a 
pillar  in  the  temple  of  my  God,  and  he  shall  go  no  more  out:  and  I 
will  write  upon  him  the  name  of  my  God,  and  the  name  of  the  city 
of  my  God,  which  is  new  Jerusalem,  which  cometh  down  out  of 
heaven  from  my  God :  and  I  will  write  upon  him  my  new  name. 

4  Rom.  viii.  15.  For  ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage  again 


64 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xii. 


of  grace  with  boldness;6  are  enabled  to  cry  Abba,  Fa¬ 
ther ;/ are  pitied,#  protected,^  provided  for,* 1’  and  chastened 
by  him  as  by  a  father ;  k  yet  never  cast  off, 1  but  sealed  to 
the  day  of  redemption, m  and  inherit  the  promises, 71  as 
heirs  of  everlasting  salvation.0 


to  fear ;  but  ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry 
Abba,  Father. 

eEph.  iii.  12.  In  whom  we  have  boldness  and  access  with  confi¬ 
dence  by  the  faith  of  him.  Heb.  iv.  16.  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly 
unto  the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace 
to  help  in  time  of  need. 

/ Gal.  iv.  6.  And  because  ye  are  sons,  God  hath  sent  forth  the  Spirit 
of  his  Son  into  your  hearts,  crying,  Abba,  Father. 

ffPsa.  ciii.  13.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so  the  Lord 
pitieth  them  that  fear  him. 

*Prov.  xiv.  26.  In  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  strong  confidence.;  and 
his  children  shall  have  a  place  of  refuge. 

*Matt.  vi.  30,  32.  Wherefore,  if  God  so  clothe  the  grass  of  the  field, 
which  to  day  is,  and  to  morrow  is  cast  into  the  oven,  shall  he  not 
much  more  clothe  you,  O  ye  of  little  faith  ? — For  your  heavenly  Father 
knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of  all  these  things.  1  Pet.  v.  7.  Casting 
all  your  care  upon  him ;  for  he  careth  for  you. 

*  Ileb.  xii.  6.  For  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  chastenetn,  and  scourg- 
eth  every  son  whom  he  receiveth. 

1  Lam.  iii.  31,  32.  For  the  Lord  will  not  cast  off  for  ever :  But  though 
fie  cause  grief,  yet  will  he  have  compassion  according  to  the  multi¬ 
tude  of  his  mercies. 

™Eph.  iv.  30.  And  grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  whereby  ye 
are  sealed  unto  the  day  of  redemption. 

nHeb.  vi.  12.  That  ye  be  not  slothful,  but  followers  of  them  who 
through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  promises. 

°1  Pet.  i.  3,  4.  Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  which  according  to  his  abundant  mercy  hath  begotten  us 
again  unto  a  lively  hope  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from  the 
dead,  To  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  and  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth 
not  away,  reserved  in  heaven  for  you.  Heb.  i.  14.  Are  they  not  all 
ministering  spirits,  sent  forth  to  minister  for  them  who  shall  be  heirs 
\f  salvation? 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


65 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

OF  SANCTIFICATION. 

I.  They  who  are  effectually  called  and  regenerated, 
haying  a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit  created  in  them,  are 
further  sanctified,  really  and  personally,  through  the 
virtue  of  Christ’s  death  and  resurrection,  a  by  his  Word 
and  Spirit  dwelling  in  them  :  b  the  dominion  of  the  whole 
body  of  sin  is  destroyed,  c  and  the  several  lusts  thereof  are 
more  and  more  weakened  and  mortified ;  d  and  they  more 
and  more  quickened  and  strengthened,  in  all  saving  graces,* * * * * 6 


I.  «1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  of  God  is 

made  unto  us  wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification,  and  re¬ 

demption.  Acts  xx.  32.  And  now,  brethren,  I  commend  you  to  God, 

and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which  is  able  to  build  you  up,  and  to 
give  you  an  inheritance  among  all  them  which  are  sanctified.  Phil, 

iii.  10.  That  I  may  know  him,  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and 
the  fellowship  of  his  sufferings,  being  made  conformable  unto  his 
death.  Rom.  vi.  5,  6.  For  if  we  have  been  planted  together  in  the 
likeness  of  his  death,  we  shall  be  also  in  the  likeness  of  his  resurrec¬ 
tion  :  Knowing  this,  that  our  old  man  is  crucified  with  him,  that  the 
body  of  sin  might  be  destroyed,  that  henceforth  we  should  not  serve 
sin. 

6  John  xvii.  17,  19.  Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth  :  thy  word  is 
truth.— And  for  their  sakes  I  sanctify  myself,  that  they  also  might  be 
sanctified  through  the  truth.  Eph.  v.  26.  That  he  might  sanctify 
and  cleanse  it  with  the  washing  of  water  by  the  word.  2  Thess.  ii.  13. 
But  we  are  bound  to  give  thanks  always  to  God  for  you,  bretnren 
beloved  of  the  Lord,  because  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen 
you  to  salvation  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the 
truth. 

cRom.  vi.  6,  14.  Knowing  this,  that  our  old  man  is  crucified  with 
him ,  that  the  body  of  sin  might  be  destroyed,  that  henceforth  we 
should  not  serve  sin. — For  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you  :  for 
ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 

d  Gal.  v.  24.  And  they  that  are  Christ’s  have  crucified  the  flesh, 
with  the  affections  and  lusts.  Rom.  viii.  13.  For  if  ye  live  after  the 
flesh,  ye  shall  die  :  but  if  ye  through  the  Spirit  do  mortify  the  deeds 
of  the  body,  ye  shall  live. 

c  Col.  i.  10, 11.  That  ye  might  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto  all 
pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  every  good  work,  and  increasing  in  the 
knowledge  of  God;  Strengthened  with  all  might,  according  to  his 
glorious  power,  unto  all  patience  and  longsuffering  with  joyfulness. 

i 


66 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  xiii. 

to  the  practice  of  true  holiness,  without  which  no  man  shall 
see  the  Lord.  / 

II.  This  sanctification  is  throughout  in  the  whole  man,  9 
yet  imperfect  in  this  life:  there  abideth  still  some  rem¬ 
nants  of  corruption  in  every  part,  h  whence  ariseth  a  con¬ 
tinual  and  irreconcilable  war,  the  flesh  lusting  against  the 
spirit,  and  the  spirit  against  the  flesh/* 

III.  In  which  war,  although  the  remaining  corruption 
for  a  time  may  much  prevail,  k  yet,  through  the  continual 
supply  of  strength  from  the  sanctifying  Spirit  of  Christ, 
the  regenerate  part  doth  overcome : 1 II. III.  and  so  the  saints 


Eph.  iii.  16-19.  That  he  would  grant  you,  according  to  the  riches  of 
his  glory,  to  be  strengthened  with  might  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner 
man ;  That  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  hearts  by  faith  ;  that  ye,  being 
rooted  and  grounded  in  love,  May  be  able  to  comprehend  with  all 
saints  what  is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and  depth,  and  height;  And 
to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passeth  knowledge,  that  ye  might 
be  tilled  with  all  the  fullness  of  God. 

f  2  Cor.  vii.  1.  Having  therefore  these  promises,  dearly  beloved,  let 
us  cleanse  ourselves  from  all  filthiness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit.  Col.  i. 
28.  Whom  we  preach,  warning  every  man,  and  teaching  every  man 
in  all  wisdom  ;  that  we  may  present  every  man  perfect  in  Christ 
Jesus.  Col.  iv.  12.  Always  labouring  fervently  for  you  in  prayers, 
that  ye  may  stand  perfect  and  complete  in  all  the  will  of  God.  Heb. 
xii.  14.  Follow  peace  with  all  men ,  and  holiness,  without  which  no 
man  shall  see  the  Lord. 

II.  o  l  Thess.  v.  23.  And  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly ; 
and  I  pray  God  your  whole  spirit  and  soul  and  body  be  preserved 
blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

h  l  John  i.  10.  If  we  say  that  we  have  not  sinned,  we  make  him  a 
liar,  and  his  word  is  not  in  us.  Phil.  iii.  12.  Not  as  though  I  had 
already  attained,  either  were  already  perfect :  but  I  follow  after,  if 
that  I  may  apprehend  that  for  which  also  I  am  apprehended  of  Christ 
Jesus. 

*Gal.  v.  17.  For  the  flesh  lusteth  against  the  spirit,  and  the  spirit 
against  the  flesh  :  and  these  are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other ;  so  that 
ye  cannot  do  the  things  that  ye  would.  1  Pet.  ii.  11.  Dearly  beloved, 
I  beseech  you  as  strangers  and  pilgrims,  abstain  from  fleshly  lusts, 
which  war  against  the  soul. 

III.  *  Rom.  vii.  23.  But  I  see  another  law  in  my  members,  warring 
against  the  law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the 
law  of  sin  w’hich  is  in  my  members. 

1  Rom.  vi.  14.  For  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you  :  for  ye  are 
not  under  the  law  but  under  grace.  I  John  v.  4.  For  whatsoever  is 


sect,  i.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  67 

grow  in  grace, m  perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of 
God. n 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

OF  SAVING  FAITH. 

I.  The  grace  of  faith,  whereby  the  elect  are  enabled  to 
believe  to  the  saving  of  their  souls, a  is  the  work  of  the 
Spirit  of  Christ  in  their  hearts  and  is  ordinarily  wrought 
by  the  ministry  of  the  Word : c  by  which  also,  and  by  the 


born  of  God,  overcometh  the  world :  and  this  is  the  victory  that  over- 
cometh  the  world,  even  our  faith.  Eph.  iv.  15, 16.  But  speaking  the 
truth  in  love,  may  grow  up  into  him  in  all  things,  which  is  the  head, 
even  Christ :  From  whom  the  whole  body  fitly  joined  together  and 
compacted  by  that  which  every  joint  supplieth,  according  to  the 
effectual  working  in  the  measure  of  every  part,  maketh  increase  of 
the  body  unto  the  edifying  of  itself  in  love. 

m2  Pet.  iii.  18.  But  grow  in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  But  we  all,  with  open  face 
beholding  as  in  a  glass  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the 
same  image  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord. 

n2  Cor.  vii.  1.  Having  therefore  these  promises,  dearly  beloved,  let 
us  cleanse  ourselves  from  all  filthiness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  perfect¬ 
ing  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God. 

I.  aHeb.  x.  39.  But  we  are  not  of  them  who  draw  back  unto  per¬ 
dition  ;  but  of  them  that  believe  to  the  saving  of  the  soul. 

b  2  Cor.  iv.  13.  We  having  the  same  spirit  of  faith,  according  as  it  is 
written,  I  believed,  and  therefore  have  I  spoken ;  we  also  believe,  and 
therefore  speak.  Eph.  i.  17-20.  That  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Father  of  glory,  may  give  unto  you  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  rev¬ 
elation  in  the  knowledge  of  him :  The  eyes  of  your  understanding 
being  enlightened;  that  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his  calling, 
and  what  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints,  And 
what  is  the  exceeding  greatness  of  his  power  to  us-ward  who  believe, 
according  to  the  working  of  his  mighty  power,  Which  he  wrought  in 
Christ,  when  he  raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  at  his  own 
right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places.  Eph.  ii.  8.  For  by  grace  are  ye 
saved  through  faith  ;  and  that  not  of  yourselves :  it  is  the  gift  of  God. 
See  proofs  under  Chapter  xi. 

cMatt.  xxviii.  19,  20.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptiz¬ 
ing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost:  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  com¬ 
manded  you :  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 


68 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xiv. 


administration  of  the  Sacraments,  and  prayer,  it  is  in¬ 
creased  and  strengthened. d 

II.  By  this  faith,  a  Christian  believetli  to  be  true,  what' 
soever  is  revealed  in  the  Word,  for  the  authority  of  God 
himself  speaking  therein : e  and  acteth  differently,  upon 
that  which  each  particular  passage  thereof  containeth ; 
yielding  obedience  to  the  commands,/  trembling  at  the 


world.  Amen.  Rom.  x.  14, 17.  How  shall  they  believe  in  him  of 
whom  they  have  not  heard?  and  how  shall  they  hear  without  a 
preacher?— So  then,  faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by  the  word 
of  God.  1  Cor.  i.  21.  For  after  that  in  the  wisdom  of  God  the  world 
by  wisdom  knew  not  God,  it  pleased  God  by  the  foolishness  of  preach¬ 
ing  to  save  them  that  believe. 

d  1  Pet.  ii.  2.  As  newborn  babes,  desire  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word, 
that  ye  may  grow  thereby.  Rom.  i.  16, 17.  For  I  am  not  ashamed  of 
the  gospel  of  Christ:  for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to 
every  one  that  believeth  ;  to  the  Jew  first,  and  also  to  the  Greek.  For 
therein  is  the  righteousness  of  God  revealed  from  faith  to  faith :  as  it 
is  written,  The  just  shall  live  by  faith.  Luke  xxii.  19.  And  he  took 
bread,  and  gave  thanks,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  unto  them,  saying, 
This  is  my  body  which  is  given  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of 
me.  John  vi.  54-56.  Whoso  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood, 
hath  eternal  life ;  and  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day.  For  my 
flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed.  He  that  eateth 
my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood,  dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in  him.  Rom. 
iv.  11.  And  he  received  the  sign  of  circumcision,  a  seal  of  the  right¬ 
eousness  of  the  faith  which  he  had  yet  being  uncircumcised  :  that  he 
might  bo  the  father  of  all  them  that  believe,  though  they  be  not  cir¬ 
cumcised  ;  that  righteousness  might  be  imputed  unto  them  also. 
Luke  xvii.  5.  And  the  apostles  said  unto  the  Lord,  Increase  our  faith. 
Luke  xxii.  32.  But  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not: 
and  when  thou  art  converted,  strengthen  thy  brethren.  See  Acts 
xx.  32. 

II. ‘John  iv.  42.  And  said  unto  the  woman,  Now  we  believe,  not 
because  of  thy  saying:  for  we  have  heard  him  ourselves,  and  know 
that  this  is  indeed  the  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  1  Thess.  ii. 
13.  For  this  cause  also  thank  we  God  without  ceasing,  because,  when 
ye  received  the  word  of  God  which  ye  heard  of  us,  ye  received  it  not 
as  the  word  of  men,  but  as  it  is  in  truth,  the  word  of  God,  which 
effectually  worketh  also  in  you  that  believe.  1  John  v.  10.  He  that 
believeth  on  the  Son  of  God  hath  the  witness  in  himself:  he  that 
believeth  not  God  hath  made  him  a  liar;  because  he  believeth  not 
the  record  that  God  gave  of  his  Son.  Acts  xxiv.  14.  Believing  all 
things  which  are  written  in  the  law  and  in  the  prophets. 

/Matt.  xxii.  37^40.  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Thou  slialt  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 


sect,  hi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


69 


threatenings,^  and  embracing  the  promises  of  God  for  this 
life,  and  that  which  is  to  corned  But  the  principal  acts 
of  saving  faith  are,  accepting,  receiving,  and  resting  upon 
Christ  alone  for  justification,  sanctification,  and  eternal 
life,  by  virtue  of  the  covenant  of  grace.* * 

III.  This  faith  is  different  in  degrees,  weak  or  strong ;  k 
may  be  often  and  many  ways  assailed  and  weakened,  but 
gets  the  victory ; 1  growing  up  in  many  to  the  attainment 


mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment.  And  the  second  is 
like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself.  On  these  two 
commandments  hang  all  the  law  and  the  prophets.  Rom.  xvi.  26. 
But  now  is  made  manifest,  and  by  the  Scriptures  of  the  prophets,  ac¬ 
cording  to  the  commandment  of  the  everlasting  God,  made  known 
to  all  nations  for  the  obedience  of  faith. 

9  Isa.  lxvi.  2.  To  this  man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor  and  of 
a  contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  at  my  word. 

h  Heb.  xi.  13.  These  all  died  in  faith,  not  having  received  the  prom¬ 
ises,  but  having  seen  them  afar  off,  and  were  persuaded  of  them,  and 
embraced  them,  and  confessed  that  they  were  strangers  and  pilgrims 
on  the  earth.  1  Tim.  iv.  8.  But  godliness  is  profitable  unto  all 
things,  having  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and  of  that  which  is 
to  come. 

*  John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power 
to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his  name. 
Acts  xvi.  31.  And  they  said,  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
thou  shalt  be  saved,  and  thy  house.  Gal.  ii.  20.  I  am  crucified  with 
Christ :  nevertheless  I  live  ;  yet  not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me :  and  the 
life  which  I  now  live  in  the  flesh  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God, 
who  loved  me,  and  gave  himself  for  me.  Acts  xv.  11.  But  we  believe 
that  through  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  we  shall  be  saved, 
even  as  they. 

*Rom.  iv.  19,  20.  And  being  not  weak  in  faith,  he  considered  not 
his  own  body  now  dead,  when  he  was  about  a  hundred  years  old, 
neither  yet  the  deadness  of  Sarah’s  womb :  He  staggered  not  at  the 
promise  of  God  through  unbelief;  but  was  strong  in  faith,  giving- 
glory  to  God.  Matt.  vi.  30.  Shall  he  not  much  more  clothe  you,  O  ye 
of  little  faith?  Matt.  viii.  10.  When  Jesus  heard  it,  he  marveled,  and 
said  to  them  that  followed,  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  I  have  not  found  so 
great  faith,  no,  not  in  Israel. 

{Kph.  vi.  16.  Above  all,  taking  the  shield  of  faith,  wherewith  ye 
shall  be  able  to  quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked.  1  John  v.  4, 
5.  For  whatsoever  is  born  of  God  overcometh  the  world  :  and  this  is 
the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world,  even  our  faith.  Who  is  he 
that  overcometh  the  world,  but  he  that  believeth  that  Jesus  is  the 
Son  of  God? 


70 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH .  [chap.  xy. 


of  a  full  assurance  through  Christ, m  who  is  both  the  author 
and  finisher  of  our  faith.71 


CHAPTER  XV. 

OF  REPENTANCE  UNTO  LIFE. 

I.  Repentance  unto  life  is  an  evangelical  grace, a  the 
doctrine  whereof  is  to  be  preached  by  every  minister  of 
the  gospel,  as  well  as  that  of  faith  in  Christ.5 

II.  By  it  a  sinner,  out  of  the  sight  and  sense,  not  only 
of  the  danger,  but  also  of  the  filthiness  and  odiousness  of 
his  sins,  as  contrary  to  the  holy  nature  and  righteous  law 
of  God,  and  upon  the  apprehension  of  his  mercy  in  Christ 
to  such  as  are  penitent,  so  grieves  for  and  hates  his  sins, 
as  to  turn  from  them  all  unto  God,c  purposing  and  en- 

m  Heb.  vi.  11,  12.  And  we  desire  that  every  one  of  you  do  show  the 
same  diligence  to  the  full  assurance  of  hope  unto  the  end  :  That  ye  be 
not  slothful,  but  followers  of  them  who  through  faith  and  patience 
inherit  the  promises.  Heb.  x.  22.  Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart 
in  full  assurance  of  faith,  having  our  hearts  sprinkled  from  an  evil 
conscience,  and  our  bodies  washed  with  pure  water.  See  proofs 
under  Chapter  xviii. 

"Heb.  xii.  2.  Looking  unto  Jesus  the  author  and  finisher  of  our 
faith. 

I.  a  Acts  xi.  18.  When  they  heard  these  things,  they  held  their 
peace,  and  glorified  God,  saying,  Then  hath  God  also  to  the  Gentiles 
granted  repentance  unto  life.  See  Zech.  xii.  10. 

h  Luke  xxiv.  47.  And  that  repentance  and  remission  of  sins  should 
be  preached  in  his  name  among  all  nations,  beginning  at  Jerusalem. 
Mark  i.  15.  And  saying,  The  time  is  fulfilled,  and  the  kingdom  of 
God  is  at  hand  :  repent  ye,  and  believe  the  gospel.  Acts  xx.  21.  Tes¬ 
tifying  both  to  the  Jews,  and  also  to  the  Greeks,  repentance  toward 
God,  and  faith  toward  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

II.  c  Ezek.  xviii.  30,  31.  Repent,  and  turn  yourselves  from  all  your 
transgressions;  so  iniquity  shall  not  be  your  ruin.  Cast  away  from 
you  all  your  transgressions,  whereby  ye  have  transgressed ;  and  make 
you  a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit:  for  why  will  ye  die,  O  house  of 
Israel?  Ezek.  xxxvi.  31.  Then  shall  ye  remember  your  own  evil 
ways,  and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  shall  loathe  yourselves 
in  your  own  sight  for  your  iniquities  and  for  your  abominations. 
Psa.  li.  4.  Against  thee,  thee  only,  have  I  sinned,  and  done  thisc\U 
in  thy  sight:  that  thou  mightest  be  justified  when  thou  speakest,  and 


sect,  in.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


71 


deavoring  to  walk  with  him  in  all  the  ways  of  his  com¬ 
mandments. ^ 

III.  Although  repentance  be  not  to  be  rested  in  as  any 
satisfaction  for  sin,  or  any  cause  of  the  pardon  thereof/ 
which  is  the  act  of  God’s  free  grace  in  Christ ;/  yet  is  it 
of  such  necessity  to  all  sinners,  that  none  may  expect  par- 
don  without  it.0 


be  clear  when  thou  judgest.  Jer.  xxxi.  18, 19.  I  have  surely  heard 
Ephraim  bemoaning  himself  thus:  Thou  hast  chastised  me,  and  I 
was  chastised,  as  a  bullock  unaccustomed  to  the  yoke :  turn  thou  me, 
and  I  shall  be  turned ;  for  thou  art  the  Lord  my  God.  Surely  after 
that  I  was  turned,  I  repented ;  and  after  that  I  was  instructed,  I 
smote  upon  my  thigh :  I  was  ashamed,  yea,  even  confounded,  because 
I  did  bear  the  reproach  of  my  youth.  2  Cor.  vii.  11.  For  behold  this 
self-same  thing,  that  ye  sorrowed  after  a  godly  sort,  what  carefulness 
it  wrought  in  you,  yea,  what  clearing  of  yourselves,  yea,  what  indig¬ 
nation,  yea,  what  fear,  yea,  what  vehement  desire,  yea,  what  zeal,  yea, 
what  revenge  !  In  all  things  ye  have  approved  yourselves  to  be  clear 
in  this  matter.  See  Joel  ii.  12, 13 ;  Amos  v.  15 ;  Psa.  cxix.  128. 

d  Psa.  cxix.  6,  59, 106.  Then  shall  I  not  be  ashamed,  when  I  have 
respect  unto  all  thy  commandments.— I  thought  on  my  ways,  and 
turned  my  feet  unto  thy  testimonies.— I  have  sworn,  and  I  will  per¬ 
form  it,  that  I  will  keep  thy  righteous  judgments.  Matt.  xxi.  28,  29. 
But  what  think  ye  ?  A  certain  man  had  two  sons ;  and  he  came  to  the 
first,  and. said,  Son,  go  work  to  day  in  my  vineyard.  He  answered 
and  said,  I  will  not ;  but  afterward  he  repented,  and  went.  Luke  i.  6. 
And  they  were  both  righteous  before  God,  walking  in  all  the  com¬ 
mandments  and  ordinances  of  the  Lord  blameless. 

III.  «Ezek.  xxxvi.  31,  32.  Then  shall  ye  remember  your  own  evil 
ways,  and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  shall  loathe  yourselves 
in  your  own  sight  for  your  iniquities  and  for  your  abominations. 
Not  for  your  sakes  do  I  this,  saith  the  Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto 
you :  be  ashamed  and  confounded  for  your  own  ways,  O  house  of 
Israel.  Ezek.  xvi.  63.  That  thou  mayest  remember,  and  be  con¬ 
founded,  and  never  open  thy  mouth  any  more  because  of  thy  shame, 
when  I  am  pacified  toward  thee  for  all  that  thou  hast  done,  saith  the 
Lord  God. 

f  Hos.  xiv.  2,  4.  Take  with  you  words,  and  turn  to  the  Lord  :  say 
unto  him,  Take  away  all  iniquity,  and  receive  us  graciously  :  so  will 
we  render  the  calves  of  our  lips. — I  will  heal  their  backsliding,  I  will 
love  them  freely:  for  mine  anger  is  turned  away  from  him.  Rom. 
iii.  24.  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through  the  redemption 
that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have  redemption 
through  his  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the  riches  of 
his  grace. 

9  Luke  xiii.  3, 5.  I  tell  you,  Nay :  but,  except  ye  repent,  ye  shall  all 


72 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xv. 


IV.  As  there  is  no  sin  so  small  but  it  deserves  damna¬ 
tion  ;h  so  there  is  no  sin  so  great,  that  it  can  bring  damna¬ 
tion  upon  those  who  truly  repent.* 

V.  Men  ought  not  to  content  themselves  with  a  general 
repentance,  but  it  is  every  man’s  duty  to  endeavor  to  re¬ 
pent  of  his  particular  sins,  particularly.* 

VI.  As  every  man  is  bound  to  make  private  confession 
of  his  sins  to  God,  praying  for  the  pardon  thereof;*  upon 
which,  and  the  forsaking  of  them,  he  shall  find  mercy  :m 
so  he  that  scandalizeth  his  brother,  or  the  Church  of  Christ, 

likewise  perish.  Acts  xvii.  30,  31.  And  the  times  of  this  ignorance 

God  winked  at ;  but  now  commandeth  all  men  every  where  to 
repent :  Because  he  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the  which  he  will  judge 
the  world  in  righteousness  by  that  man  whom  he  hath  ordained ; 
whereof  he  hath  given  assurance  unto  all  men,  in  that  he  hath  raised 

him  from  the  dead. 

IV.  h  Rom.  vi.  23.  For  the  wages  of  sin  is  death.  Matt.  xii.  36.  But 
I  say  unto  you,  That  every  idle  -word  that  men  shall  speak,  they  shall 
give  account  thereof  in  the  day  of  judgment. 

•Isa.  lv.  7.  Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the  unrighteous 
man  his  thoughts :  and  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  will 
have  mercy  upon  him ;  and  to  our  God,  for  he  will  abundantly 
pardon.  Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to 
them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but 
after  the  Spirit.  Isa.  i.  18.  Come  now,  and  let  us  reason  together, 
saith  the  Lord:  though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white 
as  snow ;  though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool. 

V.  *Psa.  xix.  13.  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous 
sins ;  let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me:  then  shall  I  be  upright, 
and  I  shall  be  innocent  from  the  great  transgression.  Luke  xix.  8. 
And  Zaccheus  stood,  and  said  unto  the  Lord,  Behold,  Lord,  the  half 
of  my  goods  I  give  to  the  poor ;  and  if  I  have  taken  any  thing  from 
any  man  by  false  accusation,  I  restore  him  fourfold.  1  Tim.  i.  13, 15. 
Who  was  before  a  blasphemer,  and  a  persecutor,  and  injurious  :  but  I 
obtained  mercy,  because  I  did  it  ignorantly  in  unbelief.— This  is  a 
faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners;  of  whom  I  am  chief. 

VI.  1 * * IV. V. VI.  Psa.  xxxii.  5,  6.  I  acknowledged  my  sin  unto  thee,  and  mine 
iniquity  have  I  not  hid.  I  said,  I  will  confess  my  transgressions  unto 
the  Lord;  and  thou  forgavest  the  iniquity  of  my  sin.  Selah.  For  this 
shall  every  one  that  is  godly  pray  unto  thee  in  a  time  when  thou 
mayest  be  found  :  surely  in  the  floods  of  great  waters  they  shall  not 
come  nigh  unto  him.  See  Psa.  li. 

mProv.  xxviii.  13.  He  that  covereth  his  sins  shall  not  prosper:  but 
whoso  confesseth  and  forsaketh  them  shall  have  mercy.  1  John  i.  9. 
If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins. 


SECT.  II.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


73 


ought  to  be  willing,  by  a  private  or  public  confession  and 
sorrow  for  his  sin,  to  declare  his  repentance  to  those  that 
are  offended ; 71  who  are  thereupon  to  be  reconciled  to  him, 
and  in  love  to  receive  him.0 


CHAPTER  X  Y  I. 

OF  GOOD  WORKS . 

I.  Good  works  are  only  such  as  God  hath  commanded 
in  his  holy  Word,0  and  not  such  as,  without  the  warrant 
thereof,  are  devised  by  men  out  of  blind  zeal,  or  upon  any 
pretence  of  good  intention.^ 

II.  These  good  works,  done  in  obedience  to  God’s  com- 

n  James  v.  16.  Confess  your  faults  one  to  another,  and  pray  one  for 
another,  that  ye  may  be  healed.  The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a 
righteous  man  availeth  much.  Luke  xvii.  3,  4.  Take  heed  to  your¬ 
selves  :  If  thy  brother  trespass  against  thee,  rebuke  him ;  and  if  he 
repent,  forgive  him.  And  if  he  trespass  against  thee  seven  times  in 
a  day,  and  seven  times  in  a  day  turn  again  to  thee,  saying,  I  repent; 
thou  shalt  forgive  him.  Josh.  vii.  19.  And  Joshua  said  unto  Achan, 
My  son,  give  I  pray  thee,  glory  to  the  Loud  God  of  Israel,  and  make 
confession  unto  him ;  and  tell  me  now  what  thou  hast  done ;  hide  it 
nottfrom  me.  See  Psa.  li. 

°2  Cor.  ii.  8.  Wherefore  I  beseech  you  that  ye  would  confirm  your 
love  toward  him.  See  Gal.  vi.  1,  2. 

I.  «  Micah  vi.  8.  He  hath  showed  thee,  O  man,  what  is  good ;  and 
what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love 
mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God?  Rom.  xii.  2.  And  be  not 
conformed  to  this  world :  but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing  of 
your  mind,  that  ye  may  prove  what  is  that  good,  and  acceptable,  and 
perfect  will  of  God.  Heb.  xiii.  21.  Make  you  perfect  in  every  good 
work  to  do  his  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well  pleasing  in 
his  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

b  Matt.  xv.  9.  But  in  vain  they  do  worship  me,  teaching  for  doc¬ 
trines  the  commandments  of  men.  Isa.  xxix.  13.  Wherefore  the 
Lord  said,  Forasmuch  as  this  people  draw  near  me  with  their  mouth, 
and  with  their  lips  do  honor  me,  but  have  removed  their  heart  far 
from  me,  and  their  fear  toward  me  is  taught  by  the  precept  of  men. 
1  Pet.  i.  18.  Forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not  redeemed  with 
corruptible  things,  as  silver  and  gold,  from  your  vain  conversation 
received  by  tradition  from  your  fathers.  John  xvi.  2.  They  shall  put 
you  out  of  the  synagogues:  yea,  the  time  cometh,  that  whosoever 


74 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xvi. 


mandments,  are  the  fruits  and  evidences  of  a  true  and 
lively  faith  :  c  and  by  them  believers  manifest  their  thank¬ 
fulness,1 d  strengthen  their  assurance,6  edify  their  brethren/ 

kilieth  you  will  think  that  he  doeth  God  service.  Rom.  x.  2.  For  I 
bear  them  record  that  they  have  a  zeal  of  God,  but  not  according  to 
knowledge.  1  Sam.  xv.  22.  And  Samuel  said,  Hath  the  Lord  as  great 
delight  in  burnt  offerings  and  sacrifices,  as  in  obeying  the  voice  of 
the  Lord?  Behold,  to  obey  is  better  than  sacrifice,  and  to  hearken 
than  the  fat  of  rams.  Deut.  x.  12,  13.  And  now,  Israel,  what  doth 
the  Lord  thy  God  require  of  thee,  but  to  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  to 
walk  in  all  his  ways,  and  to  love  him,  and  to  serve  the  Lord  thy 
God  with  all  thy  heart  and  with  all  thy  soul,  To  keep  the  command¬ 
ments  of  the  Lord,  and  his  statutes,  which  I  command  thee  this  day 
for  thy  good?  Col.  ii.  16,  17,  20-23.  Let  no  man  therefore  judge  you 
in  meat,  or  in  drink,  or  in  respect  of  a  holyday,  or  of  the  new  moon, 
or  of  the  sabbath  days :  Which  are  a  shadow  of  things  to  come;  but 
the  body  is  of  Christ.— Wherefore  if  ye  be  dead  with  Christ  from  the 
rudiments  of  the  world,  why,  as  though  living  in  the  world,  are  ye 
subject  to  ordinances,  (Touch  not;  taste  not;  handle  not;  Which 
all  are  to  perish  with  the  using;)  after  the  commandments  and  doc¬ 
trines  of  men  ?  Which  things  have  indeed  a  show  of  wisdom  in  will- 
worship,  and  humility,  and  neglecting  of  the  body ;  not  in  any  honor 
to  the  satisfying  of  the  flesh. 

II.  « James  ii.  18,  22.  Yea,  a  man  may  say,  Thou  hast  faith,  and  I 
have  works :  show  me  thy  faith  without  thy  works,  and  I  will  show 
thee  my  faith  by  my  works— Seest  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his 
works,  and  by  works  was  faith  made  perfect  ? 

rfPsa.  cxvi.  12, 13.  What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his 
benefits  toward  me?  I  will  take  the  cup  of  salvation,  and  call  upon 
the  name  of  the  Lord.  1  Pet.  ii.  9.  But  ye  are  a  chosen  generation,  a 
royal  priesthood,  a  holy  nation,  a  peculiar  people;  that  ye  should 
show  forth  the  praises  of  him  who  hath  called  you  out  of  darkness 
into  his  marvelous  light. 

el  John  ii.  3,  5.  And  hereby  we  do  know  that  we  know  him,  if  we 
keep  his  commandments.— But  whoso  keepeth  his  word,  in  him 
verily  is  the  love  of  God  perfected  :  hereby  know  we  that  we  are  in 
him.  2  Pet.  i.  5-10.  And  besides  this,  giving  all  diligence,  add  to 
your  faith  virtue;  and  to  virtue,  knowledge;  And  to  knowledge, 
temperance;  and  to  temperance,  patience;  and  to  patience,  godli¬ 
ness;  And  to  godliness,  brotherly  kindness;  and  to  brotherly  kind¬ 
ness,  charity.  For  if  these  things  be  in  you,  and  abound,  they  make 
you  that  ye  shall  neither  be  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  But  he  that  lacketh  these  things  is  blind,  and 
cannot  see  afar  off,  and  hath  forgotten  that  he  was  purged  from  his 
old  sins.  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give  diligence  to  make 
your  calling  and  election  sure:  for  if  ye  do  these  things,  ye  shall 
never  fall. 

/ 2  Cor.  ix.  2.  For  I  know  the  forwardness  of  your  mind,  for  which 


sect,  hi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


75 


adorn  the  profession  of  the  gospel stop  the  mouths  of  the 
adversaries, ^  and  glorify  Godj  whose  workmanship  they 
are,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  thereunto  ;  k  that,  having  their 
fruit  unto  holiness,  they  may  have  the  end,  eternal  life.* * 
III.  Their  ability  to  do  good  works  is  not  at  all  of  them¬ 
selves,  but  wholly  from  the  Spirit  of  Christ. w  And  that 

I  boast  of  you  to  them  of  Macedonia,  that  Achaia  was  ready  a  year 
ago ;  and  your  zeal  hath  provoked  very  many.  Matt.  v.  16.  Let  your 
light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they  may  see  your  good  works,  and 
glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven.  1  Tim.  iv.  12.  Let  no  man 
despise  thy  youth  ;  but  be  thou  an  example  of  the  believers,  in  word, 
in  conversation,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity. 

^Tit.  ii.  5,  9-12.  To  be  discreet,  chaste,  keepers  at  home,  good,  obe¬ 
dient  to  their  own  husbands,  that  the  word  of  God  be  not  blasphemed. 
—Exhort  servants  to  be  obedient  unto  their  own  masters,  and  to  please 
them  well  in  all  things ;  not  answering  again ;  Not  purloining,  but 
showing  all  good  fidelity ;  that  they  may  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God 
our  Saviour  in  all  things.  For  the  grace  of  God  that  bringeth  sal¬ 
vation  hath  appeared  to  all  men,  Teaching  us  that,  denying  ungod¬ 
liness  and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  live  soberly,  righteously,  and 
godly,  in  this  present  world.  1  Tim.  vi.  1.  Let  as  many  servants  as 
are  under  the  yoke  count  their  own  masters  worthy  of  all  honor,  that 
the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine  be  not  blasphemed. 

h  1  Pet.  ii.  15.  For  so  is  the  will  of  God,  that  with  well  doing  ye 
may  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men. 

*1  Pet.  ii.  12.  Having  your  conversation  honest  among  the  Gen¬ 
tiles  :  that,  whereas  they  speak  against  you  as  evil  doers,  they  may, 
by  your  good  works  which  they  shall  behold,  glorify  God  in  the  day 
of  visitation.  Phil.  i.  11.  Being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteous¬ 
ness,  which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto  the  glory  and  praise  of  God. 
John  xv.  8.  Herein  is  my  Father  glorified,  that  ye  bear  much  fruit. 

*Eph.  ii.  10.  For  we  are  his  workmanship,  created  in  Christ  Jesus 
unto  good  works,  which  God  hath  before  ordained  that  we  should 
walk  in  them. 

‘Rom.  vi.  22.  But  now  being  made  free  from  sin,  and  become  ser¬ 
vants  to  God,  ye  have  your  fruit  unto  holiness,  and  the  end  everlast¬ 
ing  life. 

III.  mJohn  xv.  4-6.  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  As  the  branch 
cannot  bear  fruit  of  itself,  except  it  abide  in  the  vine ;  no  more  can 
ye,  except  ye  abide  in  me.  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches.  He 
that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  the  same  bringeth  forth  much 
fruit ;  for  without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.  If  a  man  abide  not  in  me, 
lie  is  cast  forth  as  a  branch,  and  is  withered  ;  and  men  gather  them, 
and  cast  them  into  the  fire,  and  they  are  burned.  Luke  xi.  18.  If  ye 
then,  being  evil,  know  howto  give  good  gifts  unto  your  children; 
how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
them  that  ask  him?  See  Ezek.  xxxvi.  26,  27. 


76 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xvi. 


they  may  be  enabled  thereunto,  besides  the  graces  they 
have  already  received,  there  is  required  an  actual  influ¬ 
ence  of  the  same  Holy  Spirit  to  work  in  them  to  will  and 
to  do  of  his  good  pleasure : n  yet  are  they  not  hereupon  to 
grow  negligent,  as  if  they  were  not  bound  to  perform  any 
duty  unless  upon  a  special  motion  of  the  Spirit ;  but  they 
ought  to  be  diligent  in  stirring  up  the  grace  of  God  that 
is  in  them.0 

IV.  They  who,  in  their  obedience,  attain  to  the  greatest 
height  which  is  possible  in  this  life,  are  so  far  from  being 
able  to  supererogate  and  to  do  more  than  God  requires, 
that  they  fall  short  of  much  which  in  duty  they  are  bound 
to  do.P 

V.  We  cannot,  by  our  best  works,  merit  pardon  of  sin, 
or  eternal  life,  at  the  hand  of  God,  by  reason  of  the  great 
disproportion  that  is  between  them  and  the  glory  to  come, 
and  the  infinite  distance  that  is  between  us  and  God, 
whom  by  them  we  can  neither  profit,  nor  satisfy  for  the 
debt  of  our  former  sins ;  9  but,  when  we  have  done  all  we 

n  Phil.  ii.  13.  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you  both  to  will  and 
to  do  of  his  good  pleasure.  Phil.  iv.  13.  I  can  do  all  things  through 
Christ  which  strengthened  me.  2  Cor.  iii.  5.  Not  that  we  are  suf¬ 
ficient  of  ourselves  to  think  any  thing  as  of  ourselves ;  but  our  suf¬ 
ficiency  is  of  God.  Eph.  iii.  16.  That  he  would  grant  you,  according 
to  the  riches  of  his  glory,  to  be  strengthened  with  might  by  his  Spirit 
in  the  inner  man. 

0  Phil.  ii.  12.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have  always  obeyed,  not 
as  in  my  presence  only,  but  now  much  more  in  my  absence,  work  out 
your  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling.  Heb.  vi.  11, 12.  And  we 
desire  that  every  one  of  you  do  show  the  same  diligence  to  the  full 
assurance  of  hope  unto  the  end:  That  ye  be  not  slothful,  but  fol 
lowers  of  them  who  through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  promises. 
Isa.  lxiv.  7.  And  there  is  none  that  calleth  upon  thy  name,  that  stir- 
reth  up  himself  to  take  hold  of  thee:  for  thou  hast  hid  thy  face  from 
us,  and  hast  consumed  us,  because  of  our  iniquities.  See  2  Pet.  i.  3, 
5,  10,  11 ;  2  Tim.  i.  6  ;  Acts  xxvi.  6,  7;  Jude  20,  21. 

IV.  p  Luke  xvii.  10.  So  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  have  done  all 
those  things  which  are  commanded  you,  say,  We  are  unprofitable 
servants:  we  have  done  that  which  was  our  duty  to  do.  Gal.  v.  17. 
For  the  flesh  lusteth  against  the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit  against  the 
flesh  :  and  these  are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other  ;  so  that  ye  cannot 
do  the  things  that  ye  would. 

V.  9fiom.  iii.  20.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  there  shall  no 


sect,  vi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


77 


can,  we  have  done  but  our  duty,  and  are  unprofitable  ser¬ 
vants  : r  and  because,  as  they  are  good,  they  proceed  from 
his  Spirit ;  s  and,  as  they  are  wrought  by  us,  they  are 
defiled  and  mixed  with  so  much  weakness  and  imperfec¬ 
tion,  that  they  cannot  endure  the  severity  of  God’s  judg¬ 
ment.^ 

VI.  Yet  notwithstanding,  the  persons  of  believers  being 
accepted  through  Christ,  their  good  works  also  are  ac¬ 
cepted  in  him,M  not  as  though  they  were  in  this  life  wholly 
unblamable  and  unreprovable  in  God’s  sight ; w  but  that 
he,  looking  upon  them  in  his  Son,  is  pleased  to  accept  and 
reward  that  which  is  sincere,  although  accompanied  with 
many  weaknesses  and  imperfections.* * 


flesh  he  justified  in  his  sight ;  for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin. 
Rom.  iv.  2,  4,  6.  For  if  Abraham  were  justified  by  works,  he  hath 
whereof  to  glory ;  but  not  before  God.— Now  to  him  that  worketh  is 
the  reward  not  reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt.— Even  as  David  also 
describeth  the  blessedness  of  the  man,  unto  whom  God  imputeth 
righteousness  without  works.  Eph.  ii.  8,  9.  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved 
through  faith  ;  and  that  not  of  yourselves :  it  is  the  gift  of  God :  Not 
of  works,  lest  any  man  should  boast.  See  Tit.  iii.  5-7 ;  Rom.  viii.  18, 
22-24. 

r  Luke  xvii.  10.  So  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  have  done  all  those 
things  which  are  commanded  you,  say,  We  are  unprofitable  servants : 
we  have  done  that  which  was  our  duty  to  do. 

*  Gal.  v.  22,  23.  But  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  long- 
suffering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  Meekness,  temperance. 

1  Isa.  lxiv.  6.  But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing ,  and  all  our  right¬ 
eousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags  ;  and  we  all  do  fade  as  a  leaf;  and  our 
iniquities,  like  the  wind,  have  taken  us  away.  Psa.  cxliii.  2.  And 
enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servant :  for  in  thy  sight  shall  no 
man  living  be  justified.  Psa.  cxxx.  3.  If  thou,  Lord,  shouldest  mark 
iniquities,  O  Lord,  who  shall  stand?  See  Gal.  v.  17,  and  Rom.  vii. 
15, 18. 

VI.  uEph.  i.  6.  To  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he 
hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved.  1  Pet.  ii.  5.  Ye  also,  as  lively 
stones,  are  built  up  a  spiritual  house,  a  holy  priesthood,  to  offer  up 
spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable  to  God  by  Jesus  Christ. 

“'Psa.  cxliii.  2.  And  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servant :  for 
in  thy  sight  shall  no  man  living  be  justified. 

*2  Cor.  viii.  12.  For  if  there  be  first  a  willing  mind,  it  is  accepted 
according  to  that  a  man  hath,  and  not  according  to  that  he  hath  not. 
ITeb.  vi.  10.  For  God  is  not  unrighteous  to  forget  your  work  and  labor 
of  love,  which  ye  have  showed  toward  his  name,  in  that  ye  have  min¬ 
istered  to  the  saints,  and  do  minister.  Matt.  xxv.  21,  23.  His  lord  said 


78 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  Ichap.  xvi. 


VII.  Works  done  by  unregenerate  men,  although  for  the 
matter  of  them  they  may  be  things  which  God  commands, 
and  in  themselves  praiseworthy  and  useful,  and  although 
the  neglect  of  such  things  is  sinful  and  displeasing  unto 
God  \y  yet,  because  they  proceed  not  from  a  heart  purified 
by  faith  f  nor  are  done  in  a  right  manner,  according  to 
His  Word;a  nor  to  a  right  end,  the  glory  of  God;6  they 

unto  him,  Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant ;  thou  hast  been 
faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  things : 
enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  lord.  See  Heb.  xiii.  20,  21. 

VII.  y  2  Kings  x.  30, 31.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Jehu,  Because  thou  hast 
done  well  in  executing  that  which  is  right  in  mine  eyes,  and  hast  done 
unto  the  house  of  Ahab  according  to  all  that  was  in  mine  heart,  thy 
children  of  the  fourtli  generation  shall  sit  on  the  throne  of  Israel. 
But  Jehu  took  no  heed  to  walk  in  the  law  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel 
with  all  his  heart :  for  he  departed  not  from  the  sins  of  Jeroboam, 
which  made  Israel  to  sin.  See  1  Kings  xxi.  29.  Phil.  i.  15,  16,  18. 
Some  indeed  preach  Christ  even  of  envy  and  strife ;  and  some  also 
of  good  will:  The  one  preach  Christ  of  contention,  not  sincerely, 
supposing  to  add  affliction  to  my  bonds.— What  then  ?  notwithstand¬ 
ing,  every  way,  whether  in  pretence,  or  in  truth,  Christ  is  preached; 
and  I  therein  do  rejoice. 

*  Heb.  xi.  4,  6.  By  faith  Abel  offered  unto  God  a  more  excellent  sac¬ 
rifice  than  Cain,  by  which  he  obtained  witness  that  he  was  righteous, 
God  testifying  of  his  gifts  :  and  by  it  he  being  dead  yet  speaketh.— 
But  without  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  him :  for  he  that  cometh  to 
God  must  believe  that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  rewarder  of  them  that 
diligently  seek  him.  See  Gen.  iv.  3-5. 

“Mark  x.  20,  21.  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Master,  all 
these  have  I  observed  from  my  youth.  Then  Jesus  beholding  him 
loved  him,  and  said  unto  him,  One  thing  thou  lackest:  go  thy  way, 
sell  whatsoever  thou  hast,  and  give  to  the  poor,  and  thou  shalt  have 
treasure  in  heaven:  and  come,  take  up  the  cross,  and  follow  me. 
1  Cor.  xiii.  3.  And  though  I  bestow  all  my  goods  to  feed  the  poor , 
and  though  I  give  my  body  to  be  burned,  and  have  not  charity,  it 
profiteth  me  nothing.  Isa.  i.  12.  When  ye  come  to  appear  before  me, 
who  hath  required  this  at  your  hand,  to  tread  my  courts? 

b  Matt.  vi.  2,5,16.  Therefore  when  thou  doest  thine  alms,  do  not 
sound  a  trumpet  before  thee,  as  the  hypocrites  do  in  the  synagogues, 
and  in  the  streets,  that  they  may  have  glory  of  men.  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  They  have  their  reward.— And  when  thou  prayest.  thou 
shalt  not  be  as  the  hypocrites  are;  for  they  love  to  pray  standing  in 
the  synagogues  and  in  the  corners  of  the  streets,  that  they  may  be 
seen  of  men.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  They  have  their  reward.— More¬ 
over  when  ye  fast,  be  not,  as  the  hypocrites,  of  a  sad  countenance:  for 
they  disfigure  their  faces,  that  they  may  appear  unto  men  to  fast. 
Verily  1  say  unto  you,  They  have  their  reward. 


SECT.  I.j 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


79 


come  short  of  what  God  requires,  and  do  not  make  any 
man  meet  to  receive  the  grace  of  God.c 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

OF  THE  PERSE  VERA  NCE  OF  THE  SAINTS. 

I.  They  whom  God  hath  accepted  in  his  Beloved,  effect¬ 
ually  called  and  sanctified  by  his  Spirit,  can  neither  totally 
nor  finally  fall  away  from  the  state  of  grace  ;  but  shall 
certainly  persevere  therein  to  the  end,  and  be  eternally 
saved.a 


cHag.  ii.  14.  So  is  this  people,  and  so  is  this  nation  before  me,  saith 
the  Lord  ;  and  so  is  every  work  of  their  hands ;  and  that  which  they 
offer  there  is  unclean.  Amos  v.  21,  22.  I  hate,  I  despise  your  feast 
days,  and  I  will  not  smell  in  your  solemn  assemblies.  Though  ye  offer 
me  burnt  offerings,  and  your  meat  offerings,  I  will  not  accept  them; 
neither  will  I  regard  the  peace  offerings  of  your  fat  beasts.  Mark  vii. 
G,  7.  He  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Well  hath  Esaias  prophesied 
of  you  hypocrites,  as  it  is  written,  This  people  honoreth  me  with 
their  lips,  but  their  heart  is  far  from  me.  Howbeit  in  vain  do  they 
worship  me,  teaching  for  doctrines  the  commandments  of  men.  See 
Hos.  i.  4. 

d  Psa.  xiv.  4.  Have  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  no  knowledge  ?  who 
eat  up  my  people  as  they  eat  bread,  and  call  not  upon  the  Lord.  Psa. 
xxxvi.  3.  The  words  of  his  mouth  are  iniquity  and  deceit :  he  hath 
left  off  to  be  wise,  and  to  do  good.  Matt.  xxv.  41-45.  Then  shall  he 
say  also  unto  them  on  the  left  hand,  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into 
everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels :  For  I  was  a 
hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  no  meat :  I  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  no 
drink:  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took  me  not  in:  naked,  and  ye 
clothed  me  not:  sick,  and  in  prison,  and  ye  visited  me  not.  Then 
shall  they  also  answer  him,  saying,  Lord,  when  saw  we  thee  a  hun¬ 
gered,  or  athirst,  or  a  stranger,  or  naked,  or  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  did 
not  minister  unto  thee?  Then  shall  he  answer  them,  saying,  Verily 
1  say  unto  you,  Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  not  to  one  of  the  least  of  these, 
ye  did  it  not  to  me.  Matt,  xxiii.  23.  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Phar¬ 
isees,  hypocrites !  for  ye  pay  tithe  of  mint  and  anise  and  cummin, 
and  have  omitted  the  weightier  matters  of  the  law,  judgment,  mercy, 
and  faith :  these  ought  ye  to  have  done,  and  not  to  leave  the  other 
undone. 

I.  "Phil.  i.  G.  Being  confident  of  this  very  thing,  that  he  which 
hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you  will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus 


80 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap,  xvii, 


II.  This  perseverance  of  the  saints  depends,  not  upon 
their  own  free-will,  but  upon  the  immutability  of  the  de¬ 
cree  of  election,  flowing  from  the  free  and  unchangeable 
love  of  God  the  Father ;b  upon  the  efficacy  of  the  merit 
and  intercession  of  Jesus  Christ ;c  the  abiding  of  the 
Spirit  and  of  the  seed  of  God  within  them  ; d  and  the 


Christ.  John  x.  28,  29.  And  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life ;  and  they 
shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  man  pluck  them  out  of  my 
hand.  My  Father,  which  gave  them  me,  is  greater  than  all ;  and  no 
man  is  able  to  pluck  them  out  of  my  Father’s  hand.  1  Pet.  i.  5,  9. 
Who  are  kept  by  the  jjower  of  God  through  faith  unto  salvation  ready 
to  be  revealed  in  the  last  time.— Receiving  the  end  of  your  faith, 
even  the  salvation  of  your  souls.  See  1  John  iii.  9. 

II. 1 2  Tim.  ii.  19.  Nevertheless  the  foundation  of  God  standetli 
sure,  having  this  seal,  The  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  his.  And, 
Let  every  one  that  nametli  the  name  of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity. 
Jer.  xxxi.  3.  The  Lord  hath  appeared  of  old  unto  me,  saying,  Yea,  I 
have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love  :  therefore  with  lovingkind¬ 
ness  have  I  drawn  thee. 

c  John  xvii.  11,  24.  And  now’  I  am  no  more  in  the  world,  but  these 
are  in  the  wrorld,  and  I  come  to  thee.  Holy  Father,  keep  through 
thine  own  name  those  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  that  they  may  be 
one,  as  we  are.— Father,  I  will  that  they  also,  whom  thou  hast  given 
me,  be  with  me  where  I  am ;  that  they  may  behold  my  glory,  which 
thou  hast  given  me :  for  thou  lovedst  me  before  the  foundation  of  the 
world.  Heb.  vii.  25.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the 
uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  them.  Luke  xxii.  32.  But  I  have  prayed  for  thee, 
that  thy  faith  fail  not:  and  when  thou  art  converted,  strengthen  thy 
brethren.  Rom.  viii.  33,  34,  38,  39.  Who  shall  lay  anything  to  the 
charge  of  God’s  elect?  It  is  God  that  justifieth.  Who  is  he  that  con- 
demneth?  It  is  Christ  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is  risen  again,  who 
is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  also  maketh  intercession  for 
us.— For  I  am  persuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  angels, 
nor  principalities,  nor  pow  ers,  nor  things  present,  nor  things  to  come, 
Nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall  be  able  to  sepa¬ 
rate  us  from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

d  John  xiv.  16, 17.  And  I  w  ill  pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give  you 
another  Comforter,  that  he  may  abide  with  you  for  ever ;  Even  the  . 
Spirit  of  truth  ;  whom  the  world  cannot  receive,  because  it  seeth  him 
not,  neither  knoweth  him :  but  ye  know  him ;  for  he  dwelleth  with 
you,  and  shall  be  in  you.  1  John  ii.  27.  But  the  anointing  which  ye 
have  received  of  him  abideth  in  you,  and  ye  need  not  that  any  man 
teach  you  :  but  as  the  same  anointing  teacheth  you  of  all  things,  and 
is  truth,  and  is  no  lie,  and  even  as  it  hath  taught  you,  ye  shall  abide 
in  him.  1  John  iii.  9.  Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not  commit 


sect,  hi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


81 


nature  of  the  covenant  of  grace : 6  from  all  which  ariseth 
also  the  certainty  and  infallibility  thereof./ 

III.  Nevertheless  they  may,  through  the  temptations  of 
Satan  and  of  the  world,  the  prevalency  of  corruption  re¬ 
maining  in  them,  and  the  neglect  of  the  means  of  their 
preservation,  fall  into  grievous  sins;£  and  for  a  time  con¬ 
tinue  therein :  h  whereby  they  incur  God’s  displeasure^ 
and  grieve  his  Holy  Spirit ;  k  come  to  be  deprived  of  some 
measure  of  their  graces  and  comforts ; 1  have  their  hearts 

sin ;  for  his  seed  remaineth  in  him :  and  he  cannot  sin,  because  he  is 
born  of  God. 

eJer.  xxxii.  40.  And  I  will  make  an  everlasting  covenant  with 
them,  that  I  will  not  turn  away  from  them,  to  do  them  good ;  but  I 
will  put  my  fear  in  their  hearts,  that  they  shall  not  depart  from  me- 
See  Heb.  viii.  10-12. 

/2  Thess.  iii.  3.  But  the  Lord  is  faithful,  who  shall  stablish  you,  and 
keep  you  from  evil.  1  John  ii.  19.  They  went  out  from  us,  but  they 
were  not  of  us ;  for  if  they  had  been  of  us,  they  would  no  doubt  have 
continued  with  us  :  but  they  went  out ,  that  they  might  be  made  mani¬ 
fest  that  they  were  not  all  of  us.  John  x.  28.  They  shall  never  per¬ 
ish.  See  1  Thess.  v.  23,  24. 

III.  ?Psa.  li.  14.  Deliver  me  from  bloodguiltiness,  O  God,  thou  God 
of  my  salvation :  and  my  tongue  shall  sing  aloud  of  thy  righteous¬ 
ness.  Matt.  xxvi.  70,  72,  74.  But  he  denied  before  them  all,  saying,  I 
know  not  what  thou  sayest.— And  again  he  denied  with  an  oath,  I  do 
not  know  the  man.— Then  began  he  to  curse  and  to  swear,  saying,  I 
know  not  the  man. 

'* *2  Sam.  xii.  9, 13.  Wherefore  hast  thou  despised  the  commandment 
of  the  Lord,  to  do  evil  in  his  sight?  Thou  hast  killed  Uriah  the  Hit- 
tite  with  the  sword,  and  hast  taken  his  wife  to  be  thy  wife,  and  hast 
slain  him  with  the  sword  of  the  children  of  Ammon.— And  David 
said  unto  Nathan,  I  have  sinned  against  the  Lord.  And  Nathan  said 
unto  David,  The  Lord  also  hath  put  away  thy  sin ;  thou  shalt  not 
die. 

*  Isa.  lxiv.  7,  9.  For  thou  hast  hid  thy  face  from  us,  and  hast  con¬ 
sumed  us,  because  of  our  iniquities.— Be  not  wroth  very  sore,  O  Lord, 
neither  remember  iniquity  for  ever :  behold,  see,  we  beseech  thee,  we 
•ire  all  thy  people.  2  Sam.  xi.  27.  And  when  the  mourning  was  past, 
David  sent  and  fetched  her  to  his  house,  and  she  became  his  wife, 
and  bare  him  a  son.  But  the  thing  that  David  had  done  displeased 
the  Lord. 

*  Eph.  iv.  30.  And  grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  whereby  ye 
are  sealed  unto  the  day  of  redemption. 

1  Psa.  li.  8, 10,  12.  Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  gladness  ;  that  the  bones 
which  thou  hast  broken  may  rejoice.— Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O 
God;  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me.— Restore  unto  me  the  joy 

0 


82 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap,  xviii. 


hardened, m  and  their  consciences  wounded ; 71  hurt  and 
scandalize  others,0  and  bring  temporal  judgments  upon 
themselves.  P 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

OF  THE  ASSURANCE  OF  GRACE  AND  SALVATION. 

I.  Although  hypocrites,  and  other  unregenerate  men, 
may  vainly  deceive  themselves  with  false  hopes  and  car¬ 
nal  presumptions  of  being  in  the  favor  of  God  and  estate 
of  salvation  ;  a  which  hope  of  theirs  shall  perish;  b  yet  such 

of  thy  salvation;  and  uphold  me  with  thy  free  spirit.  Rev.  ii.  4. 
Nevertheless  I  have  somewhat  against  thee,  because  thou  hast  left  thy 
first  love. 

™Isa.  lxiii.  17.  O  Lord,  why  hast  thou  made  us  to  err  from  thy 
ways,  and  hardened  our  heart  from  thy  fear?  Return  for  thy  ser¬ 
vants’  sake,  the  tribes  of  thine  inheritance.  Mark  vi.  52.  For  they 
considered  not  the  miracle  of  the  loaves :  for  their  heart  was 
hardened. 

n  Psa.  xxxii.  3,  4.  When  I  kept  silence,  my  bones  waxed  old  through 
my  roaring  all  the  day  long.  For  day  and  night  thy  hand  was  heavy 
upon  me :  my  moisture  is  turned  into  the  drought  of  summer.  Psa. 
li.  8.  Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  gladness ;  that  the  bones  which  thou 
hast  broken  may  rejoice. 

®2Sam.  xii.  14.  Howbeit,  because  by  this  deed  thou  hast  given 
great  occasion  to  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  to  blaspheme,  the  child 
also  that  is  born  unto  thee  shall  surely  die. 

j'Psa.  lxxxix.  31,  32.  If  they  break  my  statutes,  and  keep  not  my 
commandments;  Then  will  I  visit  their  transgression  with  the  rod. 
and  their  iniquity  with  stripes.  1  Cor.  xi.  32.  But  when  we  are 
judged,  we  are  chastened  of  the  Lord,  that  we  should  not  be  con 
demned  with  the  world. 

I.  °  Deut.  xxix.  19.  And  it  come  to  pass,  when  he  heareth  the 
words  of  this  curse,  that  he  blefcs  himself  in  his  heart,  saying,  I  shall 
have  peace,  though  I  walk  in  the  imagination  of  mine  heart,  to  add 
drunkenness  to  thirst.  Mieah  iii.  11.  The  heads  thereof  judge  for 
reward,  and  the  priests  thereof  teach  for  hire,  and  the  prophets  there-  • 
of  divine  for  money :  yet  will  they  lean  upon  the  Lord,  and  say,  Is 
not  the  Lord  among  us?  none  evil  can  come  upon  us.  John  viii.  41. 
Ye  do  the  deeds  of  your  father.  Then  said  they  to  him,  We  be  not 
born  of  fornication ;  we  have  one  Father,  even  God. 

6  Matt.  vii.  22,  23.  Many  will  say  to  me  in  that  day,  Lord,  Lord, 


SfcCT.  ii.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


83 


as  truly  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  love  him  in  sincer¬ 
ity,  endeavoring  to  walk  in  all  good  conscience  before 
him,  may  in  this  life  be  certainly  assured  that  they  are  in 
a  state  of  grace/  and  may  rejoice  in  the  hope  of  the  glory 
of  God  ;  which  hope  shall  never  make  them  ashamed/ 

II.  This  certainty  is  not  a  bare  conjectural  and  probable 
persuasion,  grounded  upon  a  fallible  hope ; e  but  an  in¬ 
fallible  assurance  of  faith,  founded  upon  the  divine  truth 
of  the  promises  of  salvation,/ the  inward  evidence  of  those 
graces  unto  which  these  promises  are  made/  the  tes- 


have  we  not  prophesied  in  thy  name?  and  in  thy  name  have  cast  out 
devils?  and  in  thy  name  done  many  wonderful  works?  And  then 
will  I  profess  unto  them,  I  never  knew  you ;  depart  from  me,  ye  that 
work  iniquity. 

c  1  John  ii.  3.  And  hereby  we  do  know  that  we  know  him,  if  we 
keep  his  commandments.  1  John  v.  13.  These  things  have  I  written 
unto  you  that  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God  ;  that  ye  may 
know  that  ye  have  eternal  life,  and  that  ye  may  believe  on  the  name 
of  the  Son  of  God.  See  1  John  iii.  14, 18, 19,  21,  24. 

dRom.  v.  2,  5.  By  whom  also  we  have  access  by  faith  into  this 
grace  wherein  we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God. — 
And  hope  maketh  not  ashamed ;  because  the  love  of  God  is  shed 
abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost  which  is  given  unto  us.  2 
Tim.  iv.  7,  8.  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course,  I 
have  kept  the  faith :  Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of 
righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  shall  give  me 
at  that  day  :  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them  also  that  love  his 
appearing. 

II.  e  Heb.  vi.  11, 19.  And  we  desire  that  every  one  of  you  do  show 
the  same  diligence  to  the  full  assurance  of  hope  unto  the  end.— 
Which  hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  both  sure  and  steadfast, 
and  which  entereth  into  that  within  the  vail. 

/Heb.  vi.  17, 18.  Wherein  God,  willing  more  abundantly  to  show 
unto  the  heirs  of  promise  the  immutability  of  his  counsel,  confirmed 
it  by  an  oath  :  That  by  two  immutable  things,  in  which  it  was  impos¬ 
sible  for  God  to  lie,  we  might  have  a  strong  consolation,  who  have 
fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  upon  the  hope  set  before  us. 

Pet.  i.  4,  5, 10,  11.  Whereby  are  given  unto  us  exceeding  great 
and  precious  promises ;  that  by  these  ye  might  be  partakers  of  the 
divine  nature,  having  escaped  the  corruption  that  is  in  the  world 
through  lust.  And  besides  this,  giving  all  diligence,  add  to  your 
faith ,  virtue;  and  to  virtue  knowledge.— Wherefore  the  rather, 
brethren,  give  diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  election  sure  ;  for 
if  ye  do  these  things,  ye  shall  never  fall :  For  so  an  entrance  shall  be 
ministered  unto  you  abundantly  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our 


84 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITII .  [chap,  xviii. 


timony  of  the  Spirit  of  adoption  witnessing  with  out 
spirits  that  we  are  the  children  of  God  :  h  which  Spirit  is 
the  earnest  of  our  inheritance,  whereby  we  are  sealed  to 
the  day  of  redemption  A 

III.  This  infallible  assurance  doth  not  so  belong  to  the 
essence  of  faith,  but  that  a  true  believer  may  wait  long, 
and  conflict  with  many  difficulties  before  he  be  partaker 
of  it :  k  yet,  being  enabled  by  the  Spirit  to  know  the  things 
which  are  freely  given  him  of  God,  he  may,  without  ex¬ 
traordinary  revelation,  in  the  right  use  of  ordinary  means, 
attain  thereunto.*  And  therefore  it  is  the  duty  of  every 
one  to  give  all  diligence  to  make  his  calling  and  election 
sure ; m  that  thereby  his  heart  may  be  enlarged  in  peace 


Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  1  John  iii.  14.  We  know  that  we 
have  passed  from  death  unto  life,  because  we  love  the  brethren.  See 
1  John  i.  3 ;  2  Cor.  i.  12. 

h  Rom.  viii.  15, 16.  For  ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage 
again  to  fear;  but  ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby 
we  cry,  Abba,  Father.  The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our 
spirit,  that  we  are  the  children  of  God. 

» Eph.  i.  13, 14.  In  whom  ye  also  trusted ,  after  that  ye  heard  the 
word  of  truth,  the  gospel  of  your  salvation :  in  whom  also,  after  that 
ye  believed,  ye  were  sealed  with  that  Holy  Spirit  of  promise,  Which 
is  the  earnest  of  our  inheritance  until  the  redemption  of  the  pur¬ 
chased  possession,  unto  the  praise  of  his  glory.  Eph.  iv.  30.  And 
grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  whereby  ye  are  sealed  unto  the 
day  of  redemption.  2  Cor.  i.  21,  22.  Now  he  which  stablisheth  us 
with  you  in  Christ,  and  hath  anointed  us,  is  God  ;  Who  hath  also 
sealed  us,  and  given  the  earnest  of  the  Spirit  in  our  hearts. 

III.  *1  John  v.  13.  These  things  have  I  written  unto  you  that  be¬ 
lieve  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God ;  that  ye  may  know  that  ye  have 
eternal  life,  and  that  ye  may  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God 
See  Psa.  lxxxviii  ;  lxxvii.  1-12. 

l\  Cor.  ii.  12.  Now  we  have  received,  not  the  spirit  of  the  world, 
but  the  Spirit  which  is  of  God ;  that  we  might  know  the  things  that 
are  freely  given  to  us  of  God.  1  John  iv.  13.  Hereby  know  we  that 
we  dwell  in  him,  and  he  in  us,  because  he  hath  given  us  of  his  Spirit. 
Heb.  vi.  11,  12.  And  we  desire  that  every  one  of  you  do  show  the 
same  diligence  to  the  full  assurance  of  hope  unto  the  end :  That  ye 
be  not  slothful,  but  followers  of  them  who  through  faith  and  patience 
inherit  the  promises.  See  Eph.  iii.  17-19. 

m2Pet.  i.  10.  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give  diligence  to 
make  your  calling  and  election  sure;  for  if  ye  do  these  things,  ye 
shall  never  fall. 


SECT.  IV.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH \ 


85 


and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  in  love  and  thankfulness  to 
God,  and  in  strength  and  cheerfulness  in  the  duties  of 
obedience,  the  proper  fruits  of  this  assurance : 11  so  far  is 
it  from  inclining  men  to  looseness.0 

IV.  True  believers  may  have  the  assurance  of  their  sal¬ 
vation  divers  ways  shaken,  diminished,  and  intermitted : 
as,  by  negligence  in  preserving  of  it ;  by  falling  into  some 
special  sin,  which  woundeth  the  conscience,  and  grieveth 
the  Spirit ;  by  some  sudden  or  vehement  temptation  ;  by 
God’s  withdrawing  the  light  of  his  countenance,  and  suf¬ 
fering  even  such  as  fear  him  to  walk  in  darkness  and  to 


nRom.  v.  1,  2,  5.  Therefore  being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace 
with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  By  whom  also  we  have 
access  by  faith  into  this  grace  wherein  we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope 
of  the  glory  of  God.— And  hope  maketh  not  ashamed ;  because  the 
love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost  which  is 
given  unto  us.  Rom.  xiv.  17.  For  the  kingdom  of  God  is  not  meat 
and  drink ;  but  righteousness,  and  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Rom.  xv.  13.  Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy  and  peace  in 
believing,  that  ye  may  abound  in  hope,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Psa.  cxix.  32.  I  will  run  the  way  of  thy  commandments, 
when  thou  shalt  enlarge  my  heart.  See  Psa.  iv.  6,  7 ;  Eph.  i.  3,  4. 

0  Rom.  vi.  1,  2.  What  shall  we  say  then  ?  Shall  we  continue  in  sin, 
that  grace  may  abound  ?  God  forbid.  How  shall  we,  that  are  dead  to 
sin,  live  any  longer  therein?  Tit.  ii.  11, 12,  14.  For  the  grace  of  God 
that  bringeth  salvation  hath  appeared  to  all  men,  Teaching  us  that,  . 
denying  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  live  soberly,  right¬ 
eously,  and  godly,  in  this  present  world.— Who  gave  himself  for  us, 
that  he  might  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  himself 
a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works.  2  Cor.  vii.  1.  Having 
therefore  these  promises,  dearly  beloved,  let  us  cleanse  ourselves 
from  all  filthiness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the 
fear  of  God.  Rom.  viii.  1,  12.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemna 
tion  to  them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh, 
but  after  the  Spirit. — Therefore,  brethren,  we  are  debtors,  not  to  the 
flesh,  to  live  after  the  flesh.  1  John  iii.  2,  3.  Beloved,  now  are  we 
the  sons  of  God,  and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall  be :  but 
we  know  that,  when  he  shall  appear,  we  shall  be  like  him ;  for  we 
shall  see  him  as  he  is.  And  every  man  that  hath  this  hope  in  him 
purifieth  himself,  even  as  he  is  pure.  1  John  i.  6,  7.  If  we  say  that 
we  have  fellowship  with  him,  and  walk  in  darkness,  we  lie,  and  do 
not  the  truth  :  But  if  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  he  is  in  the  light,  we 
have  fellowship  one  with  another,  and  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his 
Son  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin. 


86 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  xix. 


have  no  light  :P  yet  are  they  never  utterly  destitute  of  that 
seed  of  God,  and  life  of  faith ;  that  love  of  Christ  and  the 
brethren  ;  that  sinceritv  of  heart  and  conscience  of  duty ; 
out  of  which,  by  the  operation  of  the  Spirit,  this  assurance 
may  in  due  time  be  revived,  Q  and  by  the  which,  in  the 
mean  time,  they  are  supported  from  utter  despair/ 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

OF  THE  LAW  OF  GOD. 

I.  God  gave  to  Adam  a  law,  as  a  covenant  of  works,  by 
which  he  bound  him  and  all  his  posterity  to  personal,  en¬ 
tire,  exact,  and  perpetual  obedience ;  promised  life  upon 

IV.  p  Psa.  li.  8, 12, 14.  Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  gladness  ;  that  the 
bones  which  thou  hast  broken  may  rejoice.— Restore  unto  me  the  joy 
of  thy  salvation ;  and  uphold  me  with  thy  free  Spirit.— Deliver  me  from 
bloodguiltiness,  O  God,  thou  God  of  my  salvation:  and  my  tongue 
shall  sing  aloud  of  thy  righteousness.  Eph.  iv.  30.  And  grieve  not 
the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  whereby  ye  are  sealed  unto  the  day  of  re¬ 
demption.  See  Psa.  lxxvii.  1-10.  Psa.  xxxi.  22.  For  I  said  in  my 
haste,  I  am  cut  oft'  from  before  thine  eyes :  nevertheless  thou  lieard- 
est  the  voice  of  my  supplications  when  I  cried  unto  thee. 

9 1  John  iii.  9.  Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not  commit  sin ;  for 
his  seed  remaineth  in  him  :  and  he  cannot  sin,  because  he  is  born  of 
God.  Luke  xxii.  32.  But  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail 
not.  See  Psa.  lxxiii.  15. 

rMicah  vii.  7-9.  Therefore  I  will  look  unto  the  Lord;  I  will  wait 
for  the  God  of  my  salvation :  my  God  will  hear  me.  Rejoice  not 
against  me,  O  mine  enemy :  when  I  fall,  I  shall  arise;  when  I  sit  in 
darkness,  the  Lord  shall  be  a  light  untome.  I  will  bear  the  indigna¬ 
tion  of  the  Lord,  because  I  have  sinned  against  him,  until  he  plead 
my  cause,  and  execute  judgment  for  me :  he  will  bring  me  forth  to 
the  light,  and  I  shall  behold  his  righteousness.  Jer.  xxxii.  40.  And  I 
will  make  an  everlasting  covenant  with  them,  that  I  will  not  turn 
away  from  them,  to  do  them  good:  but  I  will  put  my  fear  in  their 
hearts,  that  they  shall  not  depart  from  me.  See  Isa.  liv.  7-10;  2  Cor. 
iv.  &-10.  We  are  troubled  on  every  side,  yet  not  distressed;  we  are 
perplexed,  but  not  in  despair;  Persecuted,  but  not  forsaken:  cast 
down,  but  not  destroyed ;  Always  bearing  about  in  the  body  the 
dying  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  the  life  also  of  Jesus  might  be  made 
manifest  in  our  body. 


sect,  iii.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH . 


87 


the  fulfilling,  and  threatened  death  upon  the  breach  of  it ; 
and  endued  him  with  power  and  ability  to  keep  it.a 

II.  This  law,  after  his  fall,  continued  to  be  a  perfect 
rule  of  righteousness,  and,  as  such,  was  delivered  by  God 
upon  mount  Sinai  in  ten  commandments,  and  written  in 
two  tables ; b  the  first  four  commandments  containing  our 
duty  towards  God,  and  the  other  six  our  duty  to  man.c 

III.  Beside.3  this  law,  commonly  called  moral,  God  was 
pleased  to  give  to  the  people  of  Israel,  as  a  Church  under 
age,  ceremonial  laws,  containing  several  typical  ordinances, 

I.  a  Gen.  i.  26.  And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,  after 
our  likeness.  Gen.  ii.  17.  But  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good 
and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it:  for  in  the  day  that  thou  eatest 
thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die.  Eph.  iv.  24.  And  that  ye  put  on  the 
new  man,  which  after  God  is  created  in  righteousness  and  true  holi¬ 
ness.  Rom.  ii.  14,  15.  For  when  the  Gentiles,  which  have  not  the 
law,  do  by  nature  the  things  contained  in  the  law,  these,  having  not 
the  law,  are  a  law  unto  themselves  ;  Which  show  the  work  of  the  law 
written  in  their  hearts,  their  conscience  also  bearing  witness,  and 
their  thoughts  the  meanwhile  accusing  or  else  excusing  one  another. 
Rom.  x.  5.  For  Moses  describeth  the  righteousness  which  is  of  the 
law,  That  the  man  which  doeth  those  things  shall  live  by  them. 
Rom.  v.  12, 19.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world, 
and  death  by  sin ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all 
have  sinned— For  as  by  one  man’s  disobedience  many  were  made 
sinners,  so  by  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 
See  Gal.  iii.  10,  12. 

II.  b  James  i.  25.  But  whoso  looketh  into  the  perfect  law  of  liberty, 
and  continueth  therein ,  he  being  not  a  forgetful  hearer,  but  a  doer  of 
the  work,  this  man  shall  be  blessed  in  his  deed.  James  ii.  8, 10.  If 
ye  fulfil  the  royal  law  according  to  the  Scripture,  Thou  shalt  love 
thy  neighbor  as  thyself,  ye  do  well.— For  whosoever  shall  keep  the 
whole  law,  and  yet  offend  in  one  point ,  he  is  guilty  of  all.  Rom.  iii.  19. 
Now  we  know  that  what  things  soever  the  law  saith,  it  saith  to  them 
who  are  under  the  law.  Deut.  v.  32.  Ye  shall  observe  to  do  therefore 
as  the  Lord  your  God  hath  commanded  you  :  ye  shall  not  turn  aside 
to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left.  Deut.  x.  4.  And  he  wrote  on  the 
tables,  according  to  the  first  writing,  the  ten  commandments,  which 
the  Lord  spake  unto  you  in  the  mount,  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire  in 
the  day  of  the  assembly  :  and  the  Lord  gave  them  unto  me.  See  Ex. 
xxxiv.  1 ;  Rom.  viii.  8,  9. 

«Matt.  xxii.  37-40.  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment.  And  the  second 
is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  On  these  two 
commandments  hang  all  the  law  and  the  prophets.  See  Ex.  xx.  3-18. 


88 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xix. 


partly  of  worship,  prefiguring  Christ,  his  graces,  actions, 
sufferings,  and  benefits ; d  and  partly  holding  forth  divers 
instructions  of  moral  duties.6  All  which  ceremonial  laws 
are  now  abrogated  under  the  New  Testament./ 

IV.  To  them  also,  as  a  body  politic,  he  gave  sundry 
judicial  laws,  which  expired  together  with  the  state  of 
that  people,  not  obliging  any  other,  now,  further  than  the 
general  equity  thereof  may  require.# 

V.  The  moral  law  doth  for  ever  bind  all,  as  well  justi¬ 
fied  persons  as  others,  to  the  obedience  thereof ;  h  and  that 

III.  dHeb.  x.  1.  For  the  law  having  a  shadow  of  good  things  to 
come,  and  not  the  very  image  of  the  things,  can  never  with  those 
sacrifices,  which  they  offered  year  by  year  continually,  make  the 
comers  thereunto  perfect.  Gal.  iv.  1-3.  Now  I  say,  That  the  heir,  as 
long  as  he  is  a  child,  differeth  nothing  from  a  servant,  though  he  be 
lord  of  all ;  But  is  under  tutors  and  governors  until  the  time  ap¬ 
pointed  of  the  father.  Even  so  we,  when  we  were  children,  were  in 
bondage  under  the  elements  of  the  world.  Col.  ii.  27.  Which  are 
a  shadow  of  things  to  come ;  but  the  body  is  of  Christ.  See  Heb.  ix. 

« Ex.  xii.  14.  And  this  day  shall  be  unto  you  for  a  memorial ;  and 
ye  shall  keep  it  a  feast  to  the  Lord  throughout  your  generations  :  ye 
shall  keep  it  a  feast  by  an  ordinance  for  ever.  1  Cor.  v.  7.  Purge  out 
therefore  the  old  leaven,  that  ye  may  be  a  new  lump,  as  ye  are  un¬ 
leavened.  For  even  Christ  our  passover  is  sacrificed  for  us.  2  Cor.  vi. 
17.  Wherefore,  come  out  from  among  them,  and  be  ye  separate,  saith 
the  Lord,  and  touch  not  the  unclean  thing ;  and  I  will  receive  you. 

/Col.  ii.  14,  16, 17.  Blotting  out  the  handwriting  of  ordinances  that 
was  against  us,  which  was  contrary  to  us,  and  took  it  out  of  the  way, 
nailing  it  to  his  cross.— Let  no  man  therefore  judge  you  in  meat,  or  in 
drink,  or  in  respect  of  a  holyday,  or  of  the  new  moon,  or  of  the  sab¬ 
bath  days:  Which  are  a  shadow  of  things  to  come  ;  but  the  body  is  of 
Christ.  Eph.  ii.  15,  16.  Having  abolished  in  his  flesh  the  enmity, 
even  the  law  of  commandments  contained  in  ordinances ;  for  to  make 
in  himself  of  twain  one  new  man,  so  making  peace;  And  that  he 
might  reconcile  both  unto  God  in  one  body  by  the  cross,  having  slain 
the  enmity  thereby. 

IV.  ?See  Ex.  xxi.;  xxii.  1-29.  Gen.  xlix.  10.  The  sceptre  shall  not 
depart  from  Judah,  nor  a  lawgiver  from  between  his  feet,  until 
Shiloh  come;  and  unto  him  shall  the  gathering  of  the  people  be. 
Matt.  v.  38,  39.  Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  been  said,  An  eye  for  an 
eye,  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth :  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  ye  resist  not 
evil.  See  1  Cor.  ix.  8-10. 

V.  *  1  John  ii.  3,  4,  7.  And  hereby  we  do  know  that  we  know  him, 
if  we  keep  his  commandments.  He  that  saith,  I  know  him,  and 
keepeth  not  his  commandments,  is  a  liar,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  him. 
—Brethren,  I  write  no  new  commandment  unto  you,  but  an  old 


sect,  vi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


89 


not  only  in  regard  of  the  matter  contained  in  it,  but  also 
in  respect  of  the  authority  of  God  the  Creator  who  gave 
itA  Neither  doth  Christ  in  the  gospel  any  way  dissolve, 
but  much  strengthen,  this  obligation. 

VI.  Although  true  believers  be  not  under  the  law  as  a 
covenant  of  works,  to  be  thereby  justified  or  condemned ; 1 
yet  is  it  of  great  use  to  them,  as  well  as  to  others ;  in  that, 
as  a  rule  of  life,  informing  them  of  the  will  of  God  and 
their  duty,  it  directs  and  binds  them  to  walk  accord¬ 
ingly  ; m  discovering  also  the  sinful  pollutions  of  their 


commandment  which  ye  had  from  the  beginning.  Rom.  iii.  31.  Do 
we  then  make  void  the  law  through  faith?  God  forbid:  yea,  we 
establish  the  law.  Rom.  vi.  15.  What  then  ?  shall  we  sin,  because 
we  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace  ?  God  forbid. 

*  James  ii.  8,  10,  11.  If  ye  fulfil  the  royal  law  according  to  the 
Scripture,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself,  ye  do  well.— For 
whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet  offend  in  one  point ,  he 
is  guilty  of  all.  For  he  that  said,  Do  not  commit  adultery,  said  also, 
Do  not  kill.  Now  if  thou  commit  no  adultery,  yet  if  thou  kill,  thou 
art  become  a  transgressor  of  the  law.  Rom.  iii.  19.  Now  we  know 
that  what  things  soever  the  law  saith,  it  saith  to  them  who  are  under 
the  law :  that  every  mouth  may  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world  may 
become  guilty  before  God. 

k  Matt.  v.  18, 19.  For  verily  I  say  unto  you,  Till  heaven  and  earth 
pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  in  no  wise  pass  from  the  law,  till  all  be 
fulfilled.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  break  one  of  these  least  com¬ 
mandments,  and  shall  teach  men  so,  he  shall  be  called  the  least  in 
the  kingdom  of  heaven :  but  whosoever  shall  do  and  teach  them ,  the 
same  shall  be  called  great  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Rom.  iii.  31. 
Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ?  God  forbid  :  yea,  we 
establish  the  law. 

VI. *  *Rom.  vi.  14.  For  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you:  for 
ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace.  Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is 
therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus. 
Gal.  iii.  13.  Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being 
made  a  curse  for  us :  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that  hang- 
eth  on  a  tree.  See  Gal.  iv.  4,  5  ;  Acts  xiii.  39. 

m  Rom.  vii.  12,  22,  25.  Wherefore  the  law  is  holy,  and  the  command¬ 
ment  holy,  and  just,  and  good.— For  I  delight  in  the  law  of  God  after 
the  inward  man— I  thank  God  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  So 
then  with  the  mind  I  myself  serve  the  law  of  God  ;  but  with  the  flesh 
the  law  of  sin.  Psa.  cxix.  5.  O  that  my  ways  were  directed  to  keep 
thy  statutes !  1  Cor.  vii.  19.  Circumcision  is  nothing,  and  uncircum¬ 
cision  is  nothing,  but  the  keeping  of  the  commandments  of  God. 
See  Gal.  v.  14, 18-23. 


90 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xix. 


nature,  hearts,  and  lives;71  so  as,  examining  themselves 
thereby,  they  may  come  to  further  conviction  of,  humilia¬ 
tion  for,  and  hatred  against  sin ; 0  together  with  a  clearer 
sight  of  the  need  they  have  of  Christ,  and  the  perfection 
of  his  obedience/  It  is  likewise  of  use  to  the  regenerate, 
to  restrain  their  corruptions,  in  that  it  forbids  sin ;  Q  and 
the  threatenings  of  it  serve  to  show  wThat  even  their  sins 
deserve,  and  what  afflictions  in  this  life  they  may  expect 
for  them,  although  freed  from  the  curse  thereof  threatened 
in  the  law/  The  promises  of  it,  in  like  manner,  show 


« Rom.  vii.  7.  What  shall  we  say  then?  Is  the  law  sin?  God  forbid. 
Nay,  I  had  not  known  sin,  but  by  the  law  :  for  I  had  not  known  lust, 
except  the  law  had  said,  Thou  shalt  not  covet.  Rom.  iii.  20.  For  by 
the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin. 

0  James  i.  23,  25.  For  if  any  be  a  hearer  of  the  word,  and  not  a  doer, 
he  is  like  unto  a  man  beholding  his  natural  face  in  a  glass.— But 
whoso  looketh  into  the  perfect  law  of  liberty,  and  continueth  therein , 
he  being  not  a  forgetful  hearer,  but  a  doer  of  the  work,  this  man  shall 
be  blessed  in  his  deed.  Rom.  vii.  9,  14,  24.  For  I  was  alive  without 
the  law  once  ;  but  when  the  commandment  came,  sin  revived,  and  I 
died.— For  we  know  that  the  law  is  spiritual :  but  I  am  carnal,  sold 
under  sin.— O  wretched  man  that  I  am !  who  shall  deliver  me  from 
the  body  of  this  death? 

p  Gal.  iii.  24.  Wherefore  the  law  was  our  schoolmaster  to  bring  us 
unto  Christ,  that  we  might  be  justified  by  faith.  Rom.  viii.  3,  4.  For 
what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flesh,  God 
sending  his  own  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin,  con¬ 
demned  sin  in  the  flesh  ;  That  the  righteousness  of  the  law  might  be 
fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 
Rom.  vii.  24,  25.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am !  who  shall  deliver  me 
from  the  body  of  this  death?  I  thank  God  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  So  then  with  the  mind  I  myself  serve  the  law  of  God;  but 
with  the  flesh  the  law  of  sin. 

« James  ii.  11.  For  he  that  said,  Do  not  commit  adultery,  said  also, 
Do  not  kill.  Now  if  thou  commit  no  adultery,  yet  if  thou  kill,  thou 
art  become  a  transgressor  of  the  law.  Psa.  cxix.  128.  Therefore  I  es¬ 
teem  all  thy  precepts  concerning  all  things  to  be  right ;  and  I  hate  every 
false  way. 

r  Ezra  ix.  13, 14.  And  after  all  that  is  come  upon  us  for  our  evil 
deeds,  and  for  our  great  trespass,  seeing  that  thou  our  God  hast  pun¬ 
ished  us  less  than  our  iniquities  deserve ,  and  hast  given  us  such  deliv¬ 
erance  as  this ;  Should  we  again  break  thy  commandments,  and  join 
in  affinity  with  the  people  of  these  abominations?  wouldest  not  thou 
be  angry  with  us  till  thou  liadst  consumed  us,  so  that  there  should  be  no 
remnant  nor  escaping?  Psa.  lxxxix.  30-34.  If  his  children  forsake 
my  law,  and  walk  not  in  my  judgments;  If  they  break  my  statutes, 


sect.  vii.  3  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


91 


them  God’s  approbation  of  obedience,  and  what  blessings 
they  may  expect  upon  the  performance  thereof, s  although 
not  as  due  to  them  by  the  law  as  a  covenant  of  works : 1 
so  as  a  man’s  doing  good,  and  refraining  from  evil,  be¬ 
cause  the  law  encourageth  to  the  one,  and  deterreth  from 
the  other,  is  no  evidence  of  his  being  under  the  law,  and 
not  under  grace.™ 

VII.  Neither  are  the  forementioned  uses  of  the  law 


and  keep  not  my  commandments ;  Then  will  1  visit  their  transgres¬ 
sion  with  the  rod,  and  their  iniquity  with  stripes.  Nevertheless  my 
lovingkindness  will  I  not  utterly  take  from  him,  nor  suffer  my  faith¬ 
fulness  to  fail.  My  covenant  will  I  not  break,  nor  alter  the  thing  that 
is  gone  out  of  my  lips. 

8  Psa.  xxxvii.  11.  But  the  meek  shall  inherit  the  earth  ;  and  shall 
delight  themselves  in  the  abundance  of  peace.  Psa.  xix.  11.  More¬ 
over  by  them  is  thy  servant  warned  :  and  in  keeping  of  them  there  is 
great  reward.  See  Lev.  xxvi.  1-14;  2  Cor.  vi.  16;  Eph.  vi.  2;  Matt, 
v.  5. 

*Gal.  ii.  16.  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  justified  by  the  works  of  the 
law  but  by  the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ,  even  we  have  believed  in  Jesus 
Christ,  that  we  might  be  justified  by  the  faith  of  Christ,  and  not  by 
the  works  of  the  law :  for  by  the  works  of  the  law  shall  no  flesh  be 
justified.  Luke  xvii.  10.  So  likewise  ye,  when  ye  shall  have  done 
all  those  things  which  are  commanded  you,  say,  We  are  unprofitable 
servants :  we  have  done  that  which  was  our  duty  to  do. 

M  Rom.  vi.  12, 14.  Let  not  sin  therefore  reign  in  your  mortal  body, 
that  ye  should  obey  it  in  the  lusts  thereof.— For  sin  shall  not  have 
dominion  over  you :  for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 
Heb.  xii.  28,  29.  Wherefore  we  receiving  a  kingdom  which  cannot  be 
moved,  let  us  have  grace,  whereby  we  may  serve  God  acceptably  with 
reverence  and  godly  fear.  For  our  God  is  a  consuming  fire.  1  Pet.  iii. 
8-12.  Finally,  be  ye  all  of  one  mind,  having  compassion  one  of 
another ;  love  as  brethren,  be  pitiful,  be  courteous :  Not  rendering 
evil  for  evil,  or  railing  for  railing:  but  contrariwise  blessing;  know¬ 
ing  that  ye  are  thereunto  called,  that  ye  should  inherit  a  blessing. 
For  he  that  will  love  life,  and  see  good  days,  let  him  refrain  his 
tongue  from  evil  and  his  lips  that  they  speak  no  guile:  Let  him 
eschew  evil,  and  do  good  ;  let  him  seek  peace,  and  ensue  it.  For  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord  are  over  the  righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  unto 
their  prayers :  but  the  face  of  the  Lord  is  against  them  that  do  evil. 
Psa.  xxxiv.  12-16.  What  man  is  he  that  desireth  life,  ana  loveth  manv 
days,  that  he  may  see  good  ?  Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and  thy  lips 
from  speaking  guile.  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good,  seek  peace,  and 
pursue  it.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the  righteous,  and  his  ears 
are  open  unto  their  cry.  The  face  of  the  Lord  is  against  them  that  do 
evil,  to  cut  off  the  remembrance  of  them  from  the  earth. 


92 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xi. 


contrary  to  the  grace  of  the  gospel,  but  do  sweetly  comply 
with  it ; w  the  Spirit  of  Christ  subduing  and  enabling  the 
will  of  man  to  do  that  freely  and  cheerfully,  which  the 
will  of  God,  revealed  in  the  law,  requireth  to  be  done.* * 


CHAPTEK  XX. 

OF  CHRISTIAN  LIBERTY ,  AND  LIBERTY  OF  CONSCIENCE. 

1.  The  liberty  which  Christ  hath  purchased  for  be¬ 
lievers  under  the  gospel  consists  in  their  freedom  from  the 
guilt  of  sin,  the  condemning  wrath  of  God,  the  curse  of 
the  moral  law,a  and  in  their  being  delivered  from  this 
present  evil  world,  bondage  to  Satan,  and  dominion  of 
sin,&  from  the  evil  of  afflictions,  the  sting  of  death,  the 

VII.  “'Gal.  iii.  21.  Is  the  law  then  against  the  promises  of  God? 
God  forbid :  for  if  there  had  been  a  law  given  which  could  have 
given  life,  verily  righteousness  should  have  been  by  the  law.  See 
Tit.  ii.  11-14. 

*  Ezek.  xxxvi.  27.  And  I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you,  and  cause 
you  to  walk  in  my  statutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my  judgments,  and  do 
them.  Heb.  viii.  10.  For  this  is  the  covenant  that  I  will  make  with 
the  house  of  Israel  after  those  days,  saith  the  Lord :  I  will  put  my 
laws  into  their  mind,  and  write  them  in  their  hearts :  and  I  will  be  to 
them  a  God,  and  they  shall  be  to  me  a  people.  See  Jer.  xxxi.  33. 

I.  aTit.  ii.  14.  Who  gave  himself  for  us,  that  he  might  redeem  us 
from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  himself  a  peculiar  people,  zealous 
of  good  works.  1  Thess.  i.  10.  And  to  wait  for  his  Son  from  heaven, 
whom  he  raised  from  the  dead,  even  Jesus,  which  delivered  us  from 
the  wrath  to  come.  Gal.  iii.  13.  Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the 
curse  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curse  for  us:  for  it  is  written.  Cursed 
is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree.  Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is  therefore 
now  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus. 

6  Gal.  i.  4.  Who  gave  himself  for  our  sins,  that  he  might  deliver  us 
from  this  present  evil  world,  according  to  the  will  of  God  and  our 
Father.  Acts.  xxvi.  18.  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from 
darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they 
may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among  them  which 
are  sanctified  by  faith  that  is  in  me.  Rom.  vi.  14.  For  sin  shall  not 
have  dominion  over  you :  for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under 
grace.  1  John  i.  7.  But  if  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  he  is  in  the  light, 
we  have  fellowship  one  with  another,  and  the  blood  of  Josus  Christ 
his  Son  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin. 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


93 


victory  of  the  grave,  and  everlasting  damnation  ;  c  as  also 
in  their  free  access  to  God,d  and  their  yielding  obedience 
unto  him,  not  out  of  slavish  fear,  but  a  child-like  love, 
and  a  willing  mind.6  All  which  were  common  also  to 
believers  under  the  law :/  but  under  the  New  Testament, 
the  liberty  of  Christians  is  further  enlarged  in  their  free¬ 
dom  from  the  yoke  of  the  ceremonial  law,  to  which  the 
Jewish  Church  was  subjected ;  9  and  in  greater  boldness 
of  access  to  the  throne  of  grace, ^  and  in  fuller  communi- 


e  Psa.  cxix.  71.  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted  ;  that  I 
might  learn  thy  statutes.  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that  all  things 
work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the 
called  according  to  his  purpose.  1  Cor.  xv.  54-57.  So  when  this  cor¬ 
ruptible  shall  have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  shall  have 
put  on  immortality,  then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is 
written,  Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory.  0  death,  where  is  thy 
sting?  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ?  The  sting  of  death  is  sin ;  and 
the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law.  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us 
the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  See  Rom.  viii.  1. 

dRom.  v.  1,2.  Therefore  being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace 
with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  By  whom  also  we  have 
access  by  faith  into  this  grace  wherein  we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope 
of  the  glory  of  God.  Eph.  ii.  18.  For  through  him  we  both  have 
access  by  one  Spirit  unto  the  Father.  Eph.  iii.  12.  In  whom  we  have 
boldness  and  access  with  confidence  by  the  faith  of  him.  Heb.  x.  19. 
Having  therefore,  brethren,  boldness  to  enter  into  the  holiest  by  the 
blood  of  Jesus. 

eRom.  viii.  14, 15.  For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they 
are  the  sons  of  God.  For  ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage 
again  to  fear;  but  ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby 
we  cry,  Abba,  Father.  Gal.  iv.  6.  And  because  ye  are  sons,  God  hath 
sent  forth  the  Spirit  of  his  Son  into  your  hearts,  crying,  Abba,  Father. 
1  John  iv.  18.  There  is  no  fear  in  love  ;  but  perfect  love  casteth  out 
fear :  because  fear  hath  torment.  He  that  feareth  is  not  made  perfect 
in  love. 

f  Gal.  iii.  9, 14.  So  then  they  which  be  of  faith  are  blessed  with 
faithful  Abraham. — That  the  blessing  of  Abraham  might  come  on  the 
Gentiles  through  Jesus  Christ ;  that  we  might  receive  the  promise  of 
the  Spirit  through  faith. 

?Gal.  v.  1.  Stand  fast  therefore  in  the  liberty  wherewith  Christ 
hath  made  us  free,  and  be  not  entangled  again  with  the  yoke  of 
bondage.  Acts  xv.  10.  Now  therefore  why  tempt  ye  God,  to  put  a 
yoke  upon  the  neck  of  the  disciples,  which  neither  our  fathers  nor 
we  were  able  to  bear? 

h  Heb.  iv.  14, 16.  Seeing  then  that  we  have  a  great  high  priest,  that 
is  passed  into  the  heavens,  Jesus  the  Son  of  God,  let  us  hold  fast  our 


94 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xx. 


cations  of  the  free  Spirit  of  God,  than  believers  under  the 
law  did  ordinarily  partake  of.* 

II.  God  alone  is  lord  of  the  conscience/'  and  hath  left 
it  free  from  the  doctrines  and  commandments  of  men 
which  are  in  any  thing  contrary  to  his  Word,  or  beside  it, 
in  matters  of  faith  or  worship.*  So  that  to  believe  such 
doctrines,  or  to  obey  such  commandments  out  of  con¬ 
science,  is  to  betray  true  liberty  of  conscience ; m  and  the 


profession— Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the  throne  of  grace, 
that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 
Heb.  x.  19-22.  Having  therefore,  brethren,  boldness  to  enter  into  the 
holiest  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  By  a  new  and  living  way,  which  he 
hath  consecrated  for  us,  through  the  vail,  that  is  to  say,  his  flesh ; 
And  having  a  high  priest  over  the  house  of  God;  Let  us  draw  near 
with  a  true  heart  in  full  assurance  of  faith,  having  our  hearts  sprin¬ 
kled  from  an  evil  conscience,  and  our  bodies  washed  with  pure 
water. 

» John  vii.  38,  39.  He  that  believeth  on  me,  as  the  Scripture  hath 
said,  out  of  his  belly  shall  flow  rivers  of  living  water.  (But  this 
spake  he  of  the  Spirit,  which  they  that  believe  on  him  should  re¬ 
ceive:  for  the  Holy  Ghost  was  not  yet  given;  because  that  Jesus  was 
not  yet  glorified.)  Rom.  v.  5.  And  hopeth  make  not  ashamed ;  be¬ 
cause  the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost 
which  is  given  unto  us.  See  2  Cor.  iii.  13,  17, 18. 

II.  *Rom.  xiv.  4,  10.  Who  art  thou  that  judgest  another  man’s 
servant?  to  his  own  master  he  standeth  or  falleth :  yea,  he  shall  be 
holden  up:  for  God  is  able  to  make  him  stand. — But  why  dost  thou 
judge  thy  brother?  or  why  dost  thou  set  at  nought  thy  brother?  for 
we  shall  all  stand  before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ.  James  iv.  12. 
There  is  one  lawgiver,  who  is  able  to  save  and  to  destroy ;  who  art 
thou  that  judgest  another? 

1  Acts  iv.  19.  But  Peter  and  John  answered  and  said  unto  them, 
Whether  it  be  right  in  the  sight  of  God  to  hearken  unto  you  more 
than  unto  God,  judge  ye.  Acts  v.  29.  Then  Peter  and  the  other  apos¬ 
tles  answered  and  said,  We  ought  to  obey  God  rather  than  men. 
Matt,  xxviii.  8-10.  And  they  departed  quickly  from  the  sepulchre 
with  fear  and  great  joy ;  and  did  run  to  bring  his  disciples  word. 
And  as  they  went  to  tell  his  disciples,  behold,  Jesus  met  them,  say¬ 
ing,  All  hail.  And  they  came  and  held  him  by  the  feet,  and  wor¬ 
shipped  him.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them,  Be  not  afraid :  go  tell 
my  brethren  that  they  go  into  Galilee,  and  there  shall  they  see  me. 
See  1  Cor.  vii.  23 ;  2  Cor.  i.  24  ;  Matt.  xv.  9. 

"*Col.  ii.  20,  22,  23.  Wherefore  if  ye  be  dead  with  Christ  from  the 
rudiments  of  the  world,  why,  as  though  living  in  the  world,  are  ye 
subject  to  ordinances,— (Which  all  are  to  perish  with  the  using  ;)  after 
the  commandments  and  doctrines  of  men?  Which  things  have  in- 


sect,  hi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH . 


95 


requiring  of  an  implicit  faith,  and  an  absolute  and  blind 
obedience,  is  to  destroy  liberty  of  conscience,  and  reason 
also.71 

III.  They  who,  upon  pretence  of  Christian  liberty,  do 
practice  any  sin,  or  cherish  any  lust,  do  thereby  destroy 
the  end  of  Christian  liberty  ;  which  is,  that,  being  deliv¬ 
ered  out  of  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  we  might  serve  the 
Lord  without  fear,  in  holiness  and  righteousness  before 
him,  all  the  days  of  our  life.0 

deed  a  show  of  wisdom  in  will-worship,  and  humility,  and  neglect¬ 
ing  of  the  body ;  not  in  any  honor  to  the  satisfying  of  the  flesh.  Gal. 
i.  10.  For  do  I  now  persuade  men,  or  God?  or  do  I  seek  to  please 
men  ?  for  if  I  yet  pleased  men,  I  should  not  be  the  servant  of  Christ. 
Gal.  ii.  4,  5.  And  that  because  of  false  brethren  unawares  brought  in, 
who  came  in  privily  to  spy  out  our  liberty  which  we  have  in  Christ 
Jesus,  that  they  might  bring  us  into  bondage.  To  whom  we  gave 
place  by  subjection,  no,  not  for  an  hour  ;  that  the  truth  of  the  gospel 
might  continue  with  you.  Gal.  iv.  9,  10.  But  now,  after  that  ye  have 
known  God,  or  rather  are  known  of  God,  how  turn  ye  again  to  the 
weak  and  beggarly  elements,  whereunto  ye  desire  again  to  be  in 
bondage?  Ye  observe  days,  and ‘months,  and  times,  and  years.  Gal. 
v.  1.  Stand  fast  therefore  in  the  liberty  wherewith  Christ  hath  made 
us  free,  and  be  not  entangled  again  with  the  yoke  of  bondage. 

n  Rom.  xiv.  23.  And  he  that  doubteth  is  damned  if  he  eat,  because 
he  eateth  not  of  faith :  for  whatsoever  is  not  of  faith  is  sin.  Isa.  viii.  20. 
To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony  :  if  they  speak  not  according  to  this 
word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them.  Acts  xvii.  11.  These 
were  more  noble  than  those  in  Thessalonica,  in  that  they  received 
the  word  with  all  readiness  of  mind,  and  searched  the  Scriptures 
daily,  whether  those  things  were  so.  John  iv.  22.  Ye  worship  ye 
know  not  what :  we  know  what  we  worship ;  for  salvation  is  of  the 
Jews.  Jer.  viii.  9.  The  wise  mm  are  ashamed,  they  are  dismayed  and 
taken :  lo,  they  have  rejected  the  word  of  the  Lord  ;  and  what  wis¬ 
dom  is  in  them  ?  1  Pet.  iii.  15.  But  sanctify  the  Lord  God  in  your 
hearts :  and  be  ready  always  to  give  an  answer  to  every  man  that  ask- 
eth  you  a  reason  of  the  hope  that  is  in  you,  with  meekness  and  fear. 

III.  °Luke  i.  74,  75.  That  he  would  grant  unto  us,  that  we,  being 
delivered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  might  serve  him  without 
fear,  In  holiness  and  righteousness  before  him,  all  the  days  of  our 
life.  Rom.  vi.  15.  What  then?  shall  we  sin,  because  we  are  not 
under  the  law,  but  under  grace?  God  forbid.  Gal.  v.  13.  For, 
brethren,  ye  have  been  called  unto  liberty ;  only  use  not  liberty  for 
an  occasion  to  the  flesh,  but  by  love  serve  one  another.  1  Pet.  ii.  16. 
As  free,  and  not  using  your  liberty  for  a  cloak  of  maliciousness,  but 
as  the  servants  of  God.  2  Pet.  iii.  15.  And  account  that  the  longsuf- 
fering  of  our  Lord  is  salvation ;  even  as  our  beloved  brother  Paul  also 


96 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap,  xx 


IV.  And  because  the  powers  which  God  hath  ordained, 
and  the  liberty  which  Christ  hath  purchased,  are  not  in¬ 
tended  by  God  to  destroy,  but  mutually  to  uphold  and 
preserve  one  another ;  they  who,  upon  pretence  of  Chris¬ 
tian  liberty,  shall  oppose  any  lawful  power,  or  the  lawful 
exercise  of  it,  whether  it  be  civil  or  ecclesiastical,  resist 
the  ordinance  of  God.P  And  for  their  publishing  of  such 
opinions,  or  maintaining  of  such  practices,  as  are  contrary 
to  the  light  of  nature ;  or  to  the  known  principles  of  Chris¬ 
tianity,  whether  concerning  faith,  worship,  or  conversa¬ 
tion  ;  or  to  the  power  of  godliness :  or  such  erroneous 
opinions  or  practices,  as  either,  in  their  own  nature,  or,  in 
the  manner  of  publishing  or  maintaining  them,  are  de¬ 
structive  to  the  external  peace  and  order  which  Christ 
hath  established  in  the  Church :  they  may  lawfully  be 
called  to  account,  and  proceeded  against  by  the  censures 
of  the  Church.9 

according  to  the  wisdom  given  unto  him  hath  written  unto  you.  See 
2  Pet.  ii.  19;  John  viii.  34. 

IV.  v  l  Pet.  ii.  13, 14, 16.  Submit  yourselves  to  every  ordinance  of 
man  for  the  Lord’s  sake :  whether  it  be  to  the  king,  as  supreme ;  Or 
unto  governors,  as  unto  them  that  are  sent  by  him  for  the  punish¬ 
ment  of  evil  doers,  and  for  the  praise  of  them  that  do  well.— As  free, 
and  not  using  your  liberty  for  a  cloak  of  maliciousness,  but  as  the  ser¬ 
vants  of  God.  Heb.  xiii.  17.  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you, 
and  submit  yourselves :  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that 
must  give  account,  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy  and  not  with  grief : 
for  that  is  unprofitable  for  you.  See  Rom.  xiii.  1-8. 

« Matt,  xviii.  15-17.  Moreover  if  thy  brother  shall  trespass  against 
thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him  alone :  if  he 
shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  But  if  he  will  not  hear 
thee ,  then  take  with  thee  one  or  two  more,  that  in  the  mouth  of  two  or 
three  witnesses  every  word  may  be  established.  And  if  he  shall 
neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church :  but  if  he  neglect  to 
hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publi¬ 
can.  2  Thess.  iii.  14.  And  if  any  man  obey  not  our  word  by  this 
epistle,  note  that  man,  and  have  no  company  with  him,  that  he  may 
be  ashamed.  Tit.  iii.  10.  A  man  that  is  a  heretic,  after  the  first  and 
second  admonition,  reject.  1  Cor.  v.  11-13.  But  now  I  have  written 
unto  you  not  to  keep  company,  if  any  man  that  is  called  a  brother  be 
a  fornicator,  or  covetous,  or  an  idolater,  or  a  railer,  or  a  drunkard,  or 
an  extortioner;  with  such  a  one  no  not  to  eat.  For  what  have  I  to 
do  to  judge  them  also  that  are  without?  do  not  ye  judge  them  that 
are  within?  But  them  that  are  without  God  judgeth.  Therefore  put 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


97 


CHAPTER  XXL 

OF  RELIGIOUS  WORSHIP  AND  THE  SABBATH-DAY. 

I.  The  light  of  nature  sliowetk  that  there  is  a  God,  who 
hath  lordship  and  sovereignty  over  all ;  is  good,  and  doeth 
good  unto  all ;  and  is  therefore  to  be  feared,  loved,  praised, 
called  upon,  trusted  in,  and  served  with  all  the  heart,  and 
with  all  the  soul,  and  with  all  the  might.  a  But  the  ac¬ 
ceptable  way  of  worshiping  the  true  God  is  instituted  by 
himself,  and  so  limited  by  his  own  revealed  will,  that  he 
may  not  be  worshiped  according  to  the  imaginations  and 
devices  of  men,  or  the  suggestions  of  Satan,  under  any 
visible  representation,  or  any  other  way  not  prescribed  in 
^he  Holy  Scripture.^ 

away  from  among  yourselves  that  wicked  person.  Rom.  xvi.  17. 
Now  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  mark  them  which  cause  divisions  and 
offences  contrary  to  the  doctrine  which  ye  have  learned  ;  and  avoid 
them.  2  Thess.  iii.  6.  Now  we  command  you,  brethren,  in  the  name 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  withdraw  yourselves  from  every 
brother  that  walketh  disorderly,  and  not  after  the  tradition  which  he 
received  of  us. 

I.  “Rom.  i.  20.  For  the  invisible  things  of  him  from  the  creation  of 
the  world  are  clearly  seen,  being  understood  by  the  things  that  are 
made,  even  his  eternal  power  and  Godhead ;  so  that  they  are  without 
excuse.  Psa.  cxix.  68.  Thou  art  good,  and  doest  good :  teach  me  thy 
statutes.  Jer.  x.  7.  Who  would  not  fear  thee,  O  King  of  nations  ?  for 
to  thee  doth  it  appertain :  forasmuch  as  among  all  the  wise  men  of 
the  nations,  and  in  all  their  kingdoms,  there  is  none  like  unto  thee. 
Psa.  xxxi.  23.  O  love  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  saints;  for  the  Lord  pre- 
serveth  the  faithful,  and  plentifully  rewardeth  the  proud  doer.  Acts 
xiv.  17.  Nevertheless  he  left  not  himself  without  witness,  in  that  he 
did  good,  and  gave  us  rain  from  heaven,  and  fruitful  seasons,  filling 
our  hearts  with  food  and  gladness.  See  Psa.  xviii.  3 ;  Rom.  x.  12 ; 
Psa.  lxii.  8;  Josh.  xxiv.  14;  Mark  xii.  33. 

6  Deut.  xii.  32.  What  thing  soever  I  command  you,  observe  to  do 
it :  thou  shalt  not  add  thereto,  nor  diminish  from  it.  Matt.  xv.  9. 
But  in  vain  they  do  worship  me,  teaching/or  doctrines  the  command¬ 
ments  of  men.  Matt.  iv.  9,  10.  And  saith  unto  him,  All  these  things 
will  I  give  thee,  if  thou  wilt  fall  down  and  worship  me.  Then  saith 
Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee  hence,  Satan  :  for  it  is  written,  Thou  shalt 
worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve.  John  iv. 
3,  24.  But  the  hour  cometh,  and  now  is,  when  the  true  worshipers 

7 


98 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xxl. 

II.  Religious  worship  is  to  be  given  to  God,  the  Father 
Son,  and  Holy  Ghost;  and  to  him  alone :c  not  to  angels, 
saints,  or  any  other  creature : d  and,  since  the  fall,  not 
without  a  Mediator ;  nor  in  the  mediation  of  any  other 
but  of  Christ  alone.6 

III.  Prayer,  with  thanksgiving,  being  one  special  part 
of  religious  worship/  is  by  God  required  of  all  men ;  9  and, 


shall  worship  the  Father  in  spirit  and  in  truth :  for  the  Father  seek- 
eth  such  to  worship  him.  God  is  a  Spirit :  and  they  that  Avorship  him 
must  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  Ex.  xx.  4-G.  Thou  shalt  not 
make  unto  thee  any  graven  image,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is 
in  heaven  aboA-e,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the 
Avater  under  the  earth :  Thou  shalt  not  boAV  down  thyself  to  them, 
nor  serve  them:  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting 
the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and 
fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate  me;  And  showing  mercy  unto 
thousands  of  them  that  love  me,  and  keep  my  commandments. 

II.  c  John  v.  23.  That  all  men  should  honor  the  Son,  eA-en  as  they 
honor  the  Father.  He  that  honoreth  not  the  Son,  honoreth  not  the 
Father  which  hath  sent  him.  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and 
teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  The  grace  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  he  Avith  you  all.  Amen.  See  Matt.  iv.  10 ;  Rev.  v.  11-14. 

d  Col.  ii.  18.  Let  no  man  beguile  you  of  your  reAvard,  in  a  voluntary 
humility  and  Avorshiping  of  angels.  Re\\  xix.  10.  And  I  fell  at  his 
feet  to  worship  him.  And  he  said  unto  me,  See  thou  do  it  not:  I  am 
thy  felloAV  servant,  and  of  thy  brethren  that  have  the  testimony  of 
Jesus  :  Avorship  God.  Rom.  i.  25.  Who  changed  the  truth  of  God  into 
a  lie,  and  Avorshiped  and  served  the  creature  more  than  the  Creator, 
Avho  is  blessed  for  ever.  Amen. 

e  John  xiv.  6.  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the  Avay,  the  truth,  and 
the  life :  no  man  cometh  unto  the  Father,  but  by  me.  1  Tim.  ii.  5. 
For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  mediator  betAveen  God  and  men,  the 
man  Christ  Jesus.  Eph.  ii.  18.  For  through  him  Ave  both  have  access 
by  one  Spirit  unto  the  Father.  Col.  iii.  17.  And  Avhatsoever  ye  do  in 
Avord  or  deed,  do  all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  giving  thanks  to 
God  and  the  Father  by  him. 

III.  /Phil.  iv.  C.  Be  careful  for  nothing;  but  in  every  thing  by- 
prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made 
knoAvn  unto  God.  1  Tim.  ii.  1.  I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all, 
supplications,  prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of  thanks,  be  made 
for  all  men.  Col.  iv.  2.  Continue  in  prayer,  and  Avatch  in  the  same 
with  thanksgiving. 

a  Psa.  lxv.  2.  O  thou  that  hearest  prayer,  unto  thee  shall  all  flesh 
©oine.  Psa.  lxvii.  3.  Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God ;  let  all  the 


sect.  iv.  j  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


99 


that  it  may  be  accepted,  it  is  to  be  made  in  the  name  of 
the  Son,7* *  by  the  help  of  his  Spirit,*  according  to  his  will,*' 
with  understanding,  reverence,  humility,  fervency,  faith, 
love,  and  perseverance ; 1  and,  if  vocal,  in  a  known 
tongue.777 

IV.  Prayer  is  to  be  made  for  things  lawful,71  and  for  all 
sorts  of  men  living,  or  that  shall  live  hereafter ; 0  but  not 


people  praise  thee.  1  Thess.  v.  17,  18.  Pray  without  ceasing.  In 
every  thing  give  thanks :  for  this  is  the  will  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus 
concerning  you. 

h  John  xiv.  13,  14.  And  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name,  that 
will  I  do,  that  the  Father  may  be  glorified  in  the  Son.  If  ye  shall  ask 
any  thing  in  my  name,  I  will  do  it.  1  Pet.  ii.  5.  Ye  also,  as  lively 
stones,  are  built  up  a  spiritual  house,  a  holy  priesthood,  to  offer  up 
spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable  to  God  by  Jesus  Christ. 

*  Rom.  viii.  26.  Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmities  :  for 
we  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought ;  but  the  Spirit  it¬ 
self  maketh  intercession  for  us  with  groanings  which  cannot  be  ut¬ 
tered.  Eph.  vi.  18.  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication 
in  the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  sup¬ 
plication  for  all  saints. 

*  1  John  v.  14.  And  this  is  the  confidence  that  we  have  in  him, 
that,  if  we  ask  any  thing  according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us. 

*Psa.  xlvii.  7.  For  God  is  the  king  of  all  the  earth  :  sing  ye  praises 
with  understanding.  Heb.  xii.  28.  Let  us  have  grace,  whereby  we 
may  serve  God  acceptably,  with  reverence  and  godly  fear.  Gen.  xviii. 
27.  I  have  taken  upon  me  to  speak  unto  the  Lord,  which  am  but  dust 
.  and  ashes.  James  v.  16.  The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous 
man  availeth  much.  Eph.  vi.  18.  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and 
supplication  in  the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perse¬ 
verance  and  supplication  for  all  saints.  See  James  i.  6,  7 ;  Mark  xi. 
24 ;  Matt.  vi.  12, 14,  15. 

m  1  Cor.  xiv.  14.  For  if  I  pray  in  an  unknown  tongue,  my  spirit 
prayeth,  but  my  understanding  is  unfruitful. 

IV.  n  Matt.  xxvi.  42.  He  went  away  again  the  second  time,  and 
prayed,  saying,  O  my  Father,  if  this  cup  may  not  pass  away  from  me, 
except  I  drink  it,  thy  will  be  done. 

0 1  Tim.  ii.  1,  2.  I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplications, 
prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of  thanks,  be  made  for  all  men ; 
For  kings,  and  for  all  that  are  in  authority ;  that  we  may  lead  a  quiet 
and  peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and  honesty.  John  xvii.  20. 
Neither  pray  I  for  these  alone,  but  for  them  also  which  shall  believe 
on  me  through' their  word.  2  Sam.  vii.  29.  Therefore  now  let  it 
please  thee  to  bless  the  house  of  thy  servant,  that  it  may  continue 
for  ever  before  thee:  for  thou,  O  Lord  God,  hast  spoken  it:  and  with 
thy  blessing  let  the  house  of  thy  servant  be  blessed  for  ever. 


100 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH.  [chap.  xxi. 


for  the  dead,P  nor  for  those  of  whom  it  may  be  known  that 
they  have  sinned  the  sin  unto  death. Q 

V.  The  reading  of  the  Scriptures  with  godly  fear  ;  r  the 
sound  preaching,8  and  conscionable  hearing  of  the  Word, 
in  obedience  unto  God,  with  understanding,  faith,  and 
reverence  ; t  singing  of  psalms  with  grace  in  the  heart ;  u 


p  2  Sam.  xii.  21-23.  Then  said  his  servants  unto  him,  What  thing 
is  this  that  thou  hast  done  ?  thou  didst  fast  and  weep  for  the  child, 
while  it  was  alive  ;  but  when  the  child  was  dead,  thou  didst  rise  and 
eat  bread.  And  he  said,  While  the  child  was  yet  alive,  I  fasted  and 
wept :  for  I  said,  Who  can  tell  whether  God  will  be  gracious  to  me, 
that  the  child  may  live?  But  now  he  is  dead,  wherefore  should  I 
fast?  can  I  bring  him  back  again ?  I  shall  go  to  him,  but  he  shall  not 
return  to  me.  Luke  xvi.  25,  26.  But  Abraham  said,  Son,  remember 
that  thou  in  thy  lifetime  receivedst  thy  good  things,  and  likewise 
Lazarus  evil  things:  but  now  he  is  comforted,  and  thou  art  tor¬ 
mented.  And  beside  all  this,  between  us  and  you  there  is  a  great 
gulf  fixed :  so  that  they  which  would  pass  from  hence  to  you  cannot ; 
neither  can  they  pass  to  us,  that  would  come  from  thence. 

9 1  John  v.  16.  If  any  man  see  his  brother  sin  a  sin  which  is  not  unto 
death,  he  shall  ask,  and  he  shall  give  him  life  for  them  that  sin  not 
unto  death.  There  is  a  sin  unto  death :  I  do  not  say  that  he  shall 
pray  for  it. 

V.  r  Acts  xv.  21.  For  Moses  of  old  time  hath  in  every  city  them 
that  preach  him,  being  read  in  the  synagogues  every  sabbath  day. 
Rev.  i.  3.  Blessed  is  he  that  readeth,  and  they  that  hear  the  words  of 
this  prophecy,  and  keep  those  things  which  are  written  therein  :  for 
the  time  is  at  hand. 

•  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  Preach  the  word ;  be  instant  in  season,  out  of  season ;  • 
reprove,  rebuke,  exhort  with  all  longsuffering  and  doctrine. 

*  James  i.  22.  But  be  ye  doers  of  the  word,  and  not  hearers  only, 
deceiving  your  own  selves.  Acts  x.  33.  Immediately  therefore  I  sent 
to  thee  ;  and  thou  hast  well  done  that  thou  art  come.  Now  therefore 
are  we  all  here  present  before  God,  to  hear  all  things  that  are  com¬ 
manded  thee  of  God.  Heb.  iv.  2.  For  unto  us  was  the  gospel 
preached,  as  well  as  unto  them  :  but  the  word  preached  did  not  profit 
them,  not  being  mixed  with  faith  in  them  that  heard  it.  See  Matt, 
xiii.  19;  Isa.  lxvi.  2. 

“  Col.  iii.  16.  Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in  all  wis¬ 
dom  ;  teaching  and  admonishing  one  another  in  psalms  and  hymns 
and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your  hearts  to  the  Lord. 
Eph.  v.  19.  Speaking  to  yourselves  in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spirit¬ 
ual  songs,  singing  and  making  melody  in  your  heart  to  the  Lord. 
James  v.  13.  Is  any  among  you  afflicted?  let  him  pray.  Is  any 
merry?  let  him  sing  psalms.  Acts  xvi.  25.  And  at  midnight  Paul 
and  Silas  prayed,  and  sang  praises  unto  God  :  and  the  prisoners  heard 
them. 


sect,  yi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


101 


as,  also,  the  due  administration  and  worthy  receiving  of 
the  Sacraments  instituted  by  Christ;  are  all  parts  of  the 
ordinary  religious  worship  of  God : w  besides  religious 
oaths, ^  and  vows,?/  solemn  fastings,* 2 * * *  and  thanksgivings 
upon  special  occasions;  a  which  are,  in  their  several  times 
and  seasons,  to  be  used  in  an  holy  and  religious  manner. & 

VI.  Neither  prayer,  nor  any  other  part  of  religious  wor¬ 
ship,  is  now,  under  the  gospel,  either  tied  unto,  or  made 
more  acceptable  by,  any  place  in  which  it  is  performed,  or 
towards  which  it  is  directed :  c  but  God  is  to  be  worshiped 
every  where d  in  spirit  and  in  truth ;  e  as  in  private 

w  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Acts  ii.  42.  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the  apostles’ 
doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers 
See  1  Cor.  xi.  23-29. 

*  Deut.  vi.  13.  Thou  shalt  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  serve  him, 
and  shalt  swear  by  his  name.  Neh.  x.  29.  They  clave  to  their  breth¬ 
ren,  their  nobles,  and  entered  into  a  curse,  and  into  an  oath,  to  walk 
in  God’s  law,  which  was  given  by  Moses  the  servant  of  God,  and  to 
observe  and  do  all  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  our  Lord,  and  his 
judgments  and  his  statutes. 

y  Eccl.  v.  4,  5.  When  thou  vowest  a  vow  unto  God,  defer  not  to  pay 
it;  for  he  hath  no  pleasure  in  fools  :  pay  that  w'hich  thou  hast  vowed. 
Better  is  it  that  thou  shouldest  not  vow,  than  that  thou  shouldest 
vow  and  not  pay. 

2  Joel  ii.  12.  Therefore  also  now,  saith  the  Lord,  Turn  ye  even  to  me 
with  all  your  heart,  and  wTith  fasting,  and  with  weeping,  and  with 
mourning.  Matt.  ix.  15.  Can  the  children  of  the  bridechamber 
mourn,  as  long  as  the  bridegroom  is  with  them?  but  the  days  will 
come,  when  the  bridegroom  shall  be  taken  from  them,  and  then  shall 
they  fast.  See  Matt.  vi.  17,  18. 

«See  Psa.  cvii. ;  Neh.  xii.  31-43. 

h  Heb.  xii.  28.  Wherefore  we  receiving  a  kingdom  which  cannot  be 
moved,  let  us  have  grace,  whereby  we  may  serve  God  acceptably  with 
reverence  and  godly  fear. 

VI.  cJohniv.21.  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Woman,  believe  me,  the 
hour  cometh,  when  ye  shall  neither  in  this  mountain,  nor  yet  at 
Jerusalem,  worship  the  Father. 

dMal.  i.  11.  From  the  rising  of  the  sun,  even  unto  the  going  down 
of  the  same,  my  name  shall  he  great  among  the  Gentiles  ;  and  in  every 
place  incense  shall  he  offered  unto  my  name,  and  a  pure  offering :  for 
my  name  shall  be  great  among  the  heathen,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
1  Tim.  ii.  8.  I  will  therefore  that  men  pray  every  where,  lifting  up 
holy  hands,  without  wrath  and  doubting. 

•  John  iv.  23,  24.  But  the  hour  cometh,  and  now  is,  when  the  true 


102 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH .  [chap.  xxi. 


families/  daily, 9  and  in  secret  each  one  by  himself ; h  so 
more  solemnly  in  the  public  assemblies,  which  are  not 
carelessly  or  willfully  to  be  neglected  or  forsaken,  when 
God,  by  his  Word  or  providence,  calleth  thereunto/ 
VII.  As  it  is  of  the  law  of  nature,  that,  in  general,  a 
due  proportion  of  time  be  set  apart  for  the  worship  of 
God;  so,  in  his  Word,  by  a  positive,  moral  and  perpetual 
commandment,  binding  all  men  in  all  ages,  he  hath  par¬ 
ticularly  appointed  one  day  in  seven  for  a  Sabbath,  to  be 
kept  holy  unto  him  :  k  which,  from  the  beginning  of  the 


worshipers  shall  worship  the  Father  in  spirit  and  in  truth :  for  the 
Father  seeketh  such  to  worship  him.  God  is  a  Spirit :  and  they  that 
worship  him  must  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

/  Jer.  x.  25.  Pour  out  thy  fury  upon  the  heathen  that  know  thee  not, 
and  upon  the  families  that  call  not  on  thy  name.  Job  i.  5.  And  it 
was  so,  when  the  days  of  their  feasting  were  gone  about,  that  Job  sent 
and  sanctified  them,  and  rose  up  early  in  the  morning,  and  offered 
burnt  offerings  according  to  the  number  of  them  all :  for  Job  said,  It 
may  be  that  my  sons  have  sinned,  and  cursed  God  in  their  hearts. 
Thus  did  Job  continually.  2  Sam.  vi.  18,  20.  And  as  soon  as  David 
had  made  an  end  of  offerin'g  burnt  offerings,  and  peace  offerings,  he 
blessed  the  people  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts.— Then  David 
returned  to  bless  his  household.  Deut.  vi.  6,  7.  And  these  words, 
which  I  command  thee  this  day,  shall  be  in  thine  heart:  And  thou 
shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto  thy  children,  and  shalt  talk  of  them 
when  thou  sittest  in  thine  house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way, 
and  when  thou  liest  down,  and  when  thou  risest  up. 

y  Matt.  vi.  11.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  See  Dan.  vi.  10. 

h  Matt.  vi.  6.  But  thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy  closet, 
and  when  thou  hast  shut  thy  door,  pray  to  thy  Father  which  is  in 
secret ;  and  thy  Father  which  seeth  in  secret  shall  reward  thee 
openly.  See  Neh.  i.  4-11. 

♦Isa.  lvi.  7.  Mine  house  shall  be  called  a  house  of  prayer  for  all 
people.  Heb.  x.  25.  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  ourselves  to¬ 
gether,  as  the  manner  of  some  is;  but  exhorting  one  another :  and  so 
much  the  more,  as  ye  see  the  day  approaching.  Prov.  viii.  34. 
Blessed  is  the  man  that  heareth  me,  watching  daily  at  my  gates, 
waiting  at  the  posts  of  my  doors.  Acts  ii.  42.  And  they  continued 
steadfastly  in  the  apostles’  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking 
of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 

VII.  k  Ex.  xx.  8-11.  Remember  the  sabbath  day,  to  keep  it  holy. 
Six  days  shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all  thy  work  :  But  the  seventh  day 
is  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  :  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work, 
thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  manservant,  nor  thy  maid¬ 
servant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates :  For 


sect,  viii.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


103 


world  to  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  was  the  last  day  of  the 
week ;  and,  from  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  was  changed 
into  the  first  day  of  the  week/  which  in  Scripture  is 
called  the  Lord’s  Day,m  and  is  to  be  continued  to  the 
end  of  the  world,  as  the  Christian  Sabbath.71 

VIII.  This  Sabbath  is  then  kept  holy  unto  the  Lord, 
when  men,  after  a  due  preparing  of  their  hearts,  and  or¬ 
dering  of  their  common  affairs  beforehand,  do  not  only 
observe  an  holy  rest  all  the  day  from  their  own  works, 
words,  and  thoughts,  about  their  worldly  employments 
and  recreations ;  0  but  also  are  taken  up  the  whole  time 


in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in 
them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day :  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the 
sabbath  day,  and  hallowed  it.  See  Isa.  lvi.  2,  4,  6. 

1  Gen.  ii.  3.  And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  sanctified  it :  be¬ 
cause  that  in  it  he  had  rested  from  all  his  work  which  God  created 
and  made.  1  Cor.  xvi.  1,  2.  Now  concerning  the  collection  for  the 
saints,  as  I  have  given  order  to  the  churches  of  Galatia,  even  so  do  ye. 
Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in 
store,  as  God  hath  prospered  him,  that  there  be  no  gatherings  when 
I  come.  Acts  xx.  7.  And  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when  the 
disciples  came  together  to  break  bread,  Paul  preached  unto  them, 
ready  to  depart  on  the  morrow  ;  and  continued  his  speech  until  mid¬ 
night. 

m  Rev.  i.  10.  I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord’s  day  and  heard  behind 
me  a  great  voice,  as  of  a  trumpet. 

n  Matt.  v.  17, 18.  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the  law,  or 
the  prophets :  I  am  not  come  to  destroy,  but  to  fulfil.  For  verily  1 
say  unto  you,  Till  heaven  and  earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  in 
no  wise  pass  from  the  law,  till  all  be  fulfilled.  See  Ex.  xx.  8, 10. 

VIII.  0  Ex.  xvi.  23,  25,  26,  29,  30.  And  he  said  unto  them,  This  is  that 
which  the  Lord  hath  said,  To  morrow  is  the  rest  of  the  holy  sabbath 
unto  the  Lord  :  bake  that  which  ye  will  bake  to  day,  and  seethe  that 
ye  will  seethe ;  and  that  which  remaineth  over  lay  up  for  you  to  be 
kept  until  the  morning.— And  Moses  said,  Eat  that  to  day  ;  for  to  day 
is  the  sabbath  unto  the  Lord  :  to  day  ye  shall  not  find  it  in  the  field. 
Six  days  ye  shall  gather  it ;  but  on  the  seventh  day,  ivhich  is  the  sab¬ 
bath,  in  it  there  shall  be  none.— See,  for  that  the  Lord  hath  given  you 
the  sabbath,  therefore  he  givcth  you  on  the  sixth  day  the  bread  of 
two  days :  abide  ye  every  man  in  his  place,  let  no  man  go  out  of  his 
place  on  the  seventh  day.  So  the  people  rested  on  the  seventh  day. 
Ex.  xxxi.  15,  16.  Six  days  may  work  be  done ;  but  in  the  seventh  is 
the  sabbath  of  rest,  holy  to  the  Lord  :  whosoever  doeth  any  work  in 
the  sabbath  day,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to  death.  Wherefore  the 
Children  of  Israel  shall  keep  the  sabbath,  to  observe  the  sabbath 


104 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH .  [chap.  xxii. 


in  fke  public  and  private  exercises  of  his  worship,  and  in 
the  duties  of  necessity  and  mercy,  v 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

OF  LAWFUL  OATHS  AND  VOWS. 

I.  A  lawful  oath  is  a  part  of  religious  worship, a 
wherein,  upon  just  occasion,  the  person  swearing,  solemnly 
calieth  God  to  witness  what  he  assertetli  or  promiseth ; 
and  to  judge  him  according  to  the  truth  or  falsehood  of 
wdiat  he  sweareth.b 

II.  The  name  of  God  only  is  that  by  which  men  ought 
to  swTear,  and  therein  it  is  to  be  used  with  all  holy  fear  and 
reverence  ; 0  therefore  to  swear  vainly  or  rashly  by  that 
glorious  and  dreadful  name,  or  to  swear  at  all  by  any 
other  thing,  is  sinful  and  to  be  abhorred. d  Yet  as,  in 

throughout  their  generations,  for  a  perpetual  covenant.  See  Isa. 
lviii.  13 ;  Neh.  xiii.  15-22. 

p  Isa.  lviii.  18.  If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  sabbath,  from 
doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day ;  and  call  the  sabbath  a  delight, 
the  holy  of  the  Lord,  honorable ;  and  shalt  honor  him,  not  doing 
thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own  pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine 
own  words.  See  Matt.  xii.  1-13. 

I.  «  Deut.  x.  20.  Thou  shak  fear  the  Lord  thy  God  ;  him  shalt  thou 
serve,  and  to  him  shalt  thou  cleave,  and  swear  by  his  name. 

b  Ex.  xx.  7.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in 
vain :  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name 
in  vain.  Lev.  xix.  12.  And  ye  shall  not  swear  by  my  name  falsely, 
neither  shalt  thou  profane  the  name  of  thy  God :  I  am  the  Ix>rd.  2 
Cor.  i.  23.  Moreover  I  call  God  for  a  record  upon  my  soul,  that  to 
spare  you  I  came  not  as  yet  unto  Corinth.  2  Chron.  vi.  22,  23.  If  a  man 
sin  against  his  neighbor,  and  an  oath  be  laid  upon  him  to  make  him 
swear,  and  the  oath  come  before  thine  altar  in  this  house;  Then  hear 
thou  from  heaven,  and  do,  and  judge  thy  servants,  by  requiting  the 
wicked,  by  recompensing  his  way  upon  his  own  head  ;  and  by  justi¬ 
fying  the  righteous,  by  giving  him  according  to  his  righteousness. 

II.  e  Deut.  vi.  13.  Thou  shalt  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  serve  him, 
and  shalt  swear  by  his  name. 

dJer.  v.  7.  IIow  shall  I  pardon  thee  for  this?  thy  children  have 
forsaken  me,  and  sworn  by  them  that  are  no  gods.  Matt.  v.  34,  37.  But 


sect,  iy.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


105 


matters  of  weight  and  moment,  an  oath  is  warranted  by 
the  Word  of  God,  under  the  New  Testament,  as  well  as 
under  the  Old  ;  e  so  a  lawful  oath,  being  imposed  by  law¬ 
ful  authority,  in  such  matters,  ought  to  be  taken/ 

III.  Whosoever  taketh  an  oath  ought  duly  to  consider 
the  weightiness  of  so  solemn  an  act,  and  therein  to  avouch 
nothing  but  what  he  is  fully  persuaded  is  the  truth.  9 
Neither  may  any  man  bind  himself  by  oath  to  any  thing 
but  what  is  good  and  just,  and  what  he  believeth  so  to  be, 
and  what  he  is  able  and  resolved  to  perform.  h 

IV.  An  oath  is  to  be  taken  in  the  plain  and  common 
sense  of  the  words,  without  equivocation  or  mental  reser¬ 
vation.  k  It  cannot  oblige  to  sin  ;  but  in  any  thing  not  sin- 

I  say  unto  you,  Swear  not  at  all ;  neither  by  heaven ;  for  it  is  God’s 
throne.— But  let  your  communication  be,  Yea,  yea;  Nay,  nay:  for 
whatsoever  is  more  than  these  cometh  of  evil.  James  v.  12.  But 
above  all  things,  my  brethren,  swear  not,  neither  by  heaven,  neither 
by  the  earth,  neither  by  any  other  oath :  but  let  your  yea  be  yea ;  and 
your  nay,  nay ;  lest  ye  fall  into  condemnation.  See  Ex.  xx.  7. 

e  Heb.  vi.  16.  For  men  verily  swear  by  the  greater :  and  an  oath  for 
confirmation  is  to  them  an  end  of  all  strife.  Isa.  lxv.  16.  That  he 
who  blesseth  himself  in  the  earth  shall  bless  himself  in  the  God  of 
truth  ;  and  he  that  sweareth  in  the  earth  shall  swear  by  the  God  of 
truth.  See  2  Cor.  i.  23. 

/ 1  Kings  viii.  31.  If  any  man  trespass  against  his  neighbor,  and  an 
oath  be  laid  upon  him  to  cause  him  to  swear,  and  the  oath  come 
before  thine  altar  in  this  house.  Ezra  x.  5.  Then  arose  Ezra,  and 
made  the  chief  priests,  the  Levites,  and  all  Israel,  to  swear  that  they 
should  do  according  to  this  word.  And  they  sware. 

III.  a  Jer.  iv.  2.  And  thou  shalt  swear,  The  Lord  liveth,  in  truth, 
in  judgment,  and  in  righteousness  ;  and  the  nations  shall  bless  them¬ 
selves  in  him,  and  in  him  shall  they  glory.  See  Ex.  xx.  7. 

AGen.  xxiv.  2,  3,  9.  And  Abraham  said  unto  his  eldest  servant  of 
his  house,  that  ruled  over  all  that  he  had,  Put,  I  pray  thee,  thy  hand 
under  my  thigh :  And  I  will  make  thee  swear  by  the  Lord,  the  God 
of  heaven,  and  the  God  of  the  earth,  that  thou  shalt  not  take  a  wife 
unto  my  son  of  the  daughters  of  the  Canaanites,  among  whom  I 
dwell.— And  the  servant  put  his  hand  under  the  thigh  of  Abraham 
his  master,  and  sware  to  him  concerning  that  matter. 

Neh.  v.  12.  Then  I  called  the  priests,  and  took  an  oath  of  them, 
that  they  should  do  according  to  this  promise.  See  Ex.  xxii.  7-11. 

IV.  *Psa.  xxiv.  4.  He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure  heart; 


106 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  xxii. 


ful,  being  taken,  it  binds  to  performance,  although  to  a 
man’s  own  hurt:*  nor  is  it  to  be  violated,  although  made 
to  heretics  or  infidels.771 

V.  A  vow  is  of  the  like  nature  with  a  promissory  oath, 
and  ought  to  be  made  with  the  like  religious  care,  and  to 
be  performed  with  the  like  faithfulness.71 

VI.  It  is  not  to  be  made  to  any  creature,  but  to  God 
alone :  0  and,  that  it  may  be  accepted,  it  is  to  be  made  vol¬ 
untarily ;  out  of  faith  and  conscience  of  duty;  in  way  of 
thankfulness  for  mercy  received  ;  or  for  obtaining  of  what 
we  want:  whereby  we  more  strictly  bind  ourselves  to  ne¬ 
cessary  duties ;  or  to  other  things,  so  far  and  so  long  as  they 
may  fitly  conduce  thereunto.  P 

who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto  vanity,  nor  sworn  deceitfully. 
See  Jer.  iv.  2;  Ex.  xx.  7. 

1  Psa.  xv.  4.  In  whose  eyes  a  vile  person  is  contemned ;  but  he  hon- 
oreth  them  that  fear  the  Lord.  He  that  sweareth  to  his  own  hurt,  and 
changeth  not. 

m  Ezek.  xvii.  16, 18.  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  God,  surely  in  the  place 
where  the  king  dwelleth  that  made  him  king,  whose  oath  he  despised, 
and  whose  covenant  he  brake,  even  with  him  in  the  midst  of  Baby¬ 
lon  he  shall  die.— Seeing  he  despised  the  oath  by  breaking  the  cove¬ 
nant,  when,  lo,  he  had  given  his  hand,  and  hath  done  all  these  things, 
he  shall  not  escape.  See  Josh.  ix.  18,  19;  2  Sam.  xxi.  1. 

V.  M  Isa.  xix.  21.  And  the  Lord  shall  be  known  to  Egypt,  and  the 
Egyptians  shall  know  the  Lord  in  that  day,  and  shall  do  sacrifice  and 
oblation ;  yea,  they  shall  vow  a  vow  unto  the  Lord,  and  perform  it. 
Eccl.  v.  4-6.  When  thou  vowest  a  vow  unto  God,  defer  not  to  pay  it; 
for  he  hath  no  pleasure  in  fools :  pay  that  which  thou  hast  vowed. 
Better  is  it  that  thou  shouldest  not  vow,  than  that  thou  shouldest 
vow  and  not  pay.  Suffer  not  thy  mouth  to  cause  thy  flesh  to  sin; 
neither  say  thou  before  the  angel,  that  it  was  an  error:  wherefore 
should  God  be  angry  at  thy  voice,  and  destroy  the  work  of  thine 
hands?  Psa.  lxvi.  13,  14.  I  will  pay  thee  my  vows,  Which  my  lips 
have  uttered,  and  my  mouth  hath  spoken,  when  I  was  in  trouble. 
See  Psa.  lxi.  8. 

VI.  0  Psa.  lxxvi.  11.  Vow,  and  pay  unto  the  Lord  your  God ;  let  all 
that  be  round  about  him  bring  presents  unto  him  that  ought  to  be 
feared.  See  Jer.  xliv.  2fi,  26. 

v  Deut.  xxiii.  21,  23.  When  thou  shall  vow  a  vow  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God,  thou  shalt  not  slack  to  pay  it:  for  the  Lord  thy  God  will  surely 
require  it  of  thee;  and  it  would  be  sin  in  thee.— That  which  is  gone 
out  of  thy  lips  thou  shalt  keep  and  perform ;  even  a  freewill  offering, 
according  as  thou  hast  vowed  unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  thou  hast 
promised  with  thy  mouth.  Psa.  1.  14.  Offer  unto  God  thanksgiving; 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


107 


VII.  No  man  may  vow  to  do  any  thing  forbidden  in  the 
Word  of  God,  or  what  would  hinder  any  duty  therein  com¬ 
manded,  or  which  is  not  in  his  own  power,  and  for  the  per¬ 
formance  whereof  he  hath  no  promise  or  ability  from  God. Q 
In  which  respects,  popish  monastical  vows  of  perpetual 
single  life,  professed  poverty,  and  regular  obedience,  are 
so  far  from  being  degrees  of  higher  perfection,  that  they 
are  superstitious  and  sinful  snares,  in  which  no  Christian 
may  entangle  himself. r 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

OF  THE  CIVIL  MAGISTRATE. 

I.  God,  the  Supreme  Lord  and  King  of  all  the  world, 
hath  ordained  civil  magistrates  to  be  under  him  over  the 
people,  for  his  own  glory  and  the  public  good  ;  and,  to  this 
end,  hath  armed  them  with  the  power  of  the  sword,  for  the 
defence  and  encouragement  of  them  that  are  good,  and 
for  the  punishment  of  evil  doers. a 

and  pay  thy  vows  unto  the  Most  High.  See  1  Sam.  i.  11 ;  Psa.  cxxxii. 
2-5. 

VII.  ?  Acts  xxiii.  12.  And  when  it  was  day,  certain  of  the  Jews 
banded  together,  and  bound  themselves  under  a  curse,  saying  that 
they  would  neither  eat  nor  drink  till  they  had  killed  Paul.  Mark  vi. 
26.  And  the  king  was  exceeding  sorry;  yet  for  his  oath’s  sake,  and 
for  their  sakes  which  sat  with  him,  he  would  not  reject  her. 

rlCor.  vii.  2,  9.  Nevertheless,  to  avoid  fornication,  let  every  man 
have  his  own  wife,  and  let  every  woman  have  her  own  husband.— But 
if  they  cannot  contain,  let  them  marry :  for  it  is  better  to  marry  than 
to  burn.  Eph.  iv.  28.  Let  him  that  stole  steal  no  more :  but  rather 
let  him  labor,  working  with  his  hands  the  thing  which  is  good,  that 
he  may  have  to  give  to  him  that  needeth.  1  Thess.  iv.  11,  12.  And 
that  ye  study  to  be  quiet,  and  to  do  your  own  business,  and  to  work 
with  your  own  hands,  as  we  commanded  you ;  That  ye  may  walk 
honestly  toward  them  that  are  without,  and  that  ye  may  have  lack 
of  nothing.  1  Cor.  vii.  23.  Ye  are  bought  with  a  price ;  be  not  ye  the 
servants  of  men. 

I.  a  Rom.  xiii.  1-4.  Let  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the  higher  powers. 
For  there  is  no  power  but  of  God ;  the  powers  that  be  are  ordained 
of  God.  Whosoever  therefore  resistetli  the  power,  resistcth  the  ordi¬ 
nance  of  God :  and  they  that  resist  shall  receive  to  themselves  darn- 


108 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  xxm. 


II.  It  is  lawful  for  Christians  to  accept  and  execute  the 
office  of  a  magistrate,  when  called  thereunto : 5  in  the 
managing  whereof,  as  they  ought  especially  to  maintain 
piety,  justice,  and  peace,  according  to  the  wholesome  laws 
of  each  commonwealth  ;  c  so,  for  that  end,  they  may  law¬ 
fully,  now  under  the  New  Testament,  wage  war  upon  just 
and  necessary  occasions.^ 

III.  Civil  magistrates  may  not  assume  to  themselves  the 
administration  of  the  Word  and  Sacraments  ; e  or  the  power 

nation.  For  rulers  are  not  a  terror  to  good  works,  but  to  the  evil. 
Wilt  thou  then  not  be  afraid  of  the  power?  do  that  which  is  good, 
and  thou  shalt  have  praise  of  the  same:  For  he  is  the  minister  of 
God  to  thee  for  good.  But  if  thou  do  that  which  is  evil,  be  afraid ; 
for  he  beareth  not  the  sword  in  vain  :  for  he  is  the  minister  of  God, 
a  revenger  to  execute  wrath  upon  him  that  doeth  evil.  1  Pet.  ii.  13, 
14.  Submit  yourselves  to  every  ordinance  of  man  for  the  Lord’s 
sake :  whether  it  be  to  the  king,  as  supreme :  Or  unto  governors,  as 
unto  them  that  are  sent  by  him  for  the  punishment  of  evil  doers, 
and  for  the  praise  of  them  that  do  well. 

II.  b  Prov.  viii.  15, 16.  By  me  kings  reign,  and  princes  decree  justice. 
By  me  princes  rule,  and  nobles,  even  all  the  judges  of  the  earth.  See 
Rom.  xiii.  1-4. 

c  Psa.  lxxxii.  3,  4.  Defend  the  poor  and  fatherless :  do  justice  to  the 
afflicted  and  needy.  Deliver  the  poor  and  needy :  rid  them  out  of  the 
hand  of  the  wicked.  2  Sam.  xxiii.  3.  The  God  of  Israel  said,  the 
Rock  of  Israel  spake  to  me,  He  that  ruleth  over  men  must  he  just, 
ruling  in  the  fear  of  God.  See  1  Pet.  ii.  13;  Psa.  ci. 

dLuke  iii.  14.  And  the  soldiers  likewise  demanded  of  him,  saying, 
And  what  shall  we  do?  And  he  said  unto  them,  Do  violence  to  no 
man,  neither  accuse  any  falsely;  and  be  content  with  your  wages. 
Matt.  viii.  9,  10.  For  I  am  a  man  under  authority,  having  soldiers 
under  me :  and  I  say  to  this  man,  Go,  and  he  goeth ;  and  to  another, 
Come,  and  he  cometh ;  and  to  my  servant,  Do  this,  and  he  doeth  it. 
When  Jesus  heard  it,  he  marvelled,  and  said  to  them  that  followed, 
Verily  I  say  unto  you,  I  have  not  found  so  great  faith,  no,  not  in 
Israel.  Rom.  xiii.  4.  For  he  is  the  minister  of  God  to  thee  for  good. 
But  if  thou  do  that  which  is  evil,  be  afraid;  for  he  beareth  not  the 
sword  in  vain :  for  he  is  the  minister  of  God,  a  revenger  to  execute 
wrath  upon  him  that  doeth  evil. 

III.  cIIcb.  v.  4.  And  no  man  taketh  this  honor  unto  himself,  but  he 
that  is  called  of  God,  as  was  Aaron.  2  Chron.  xxvi.  18.  And  they 
withstood  Uzziah  the  king,  and  said  unto  him,  It  appcrtaincth  not 
unto  thee,  Uzziah,  to  burn  incense  unto  the  Lord,  but  to  the  priests 
the  sons  of  Aaron,  that  are  consecrated  to  burn  incense:  go  out  of 
the  sanctuary;  for  thou  hast  trespassed ;  neither  shall  it  be  for  thine 
honor  from  the  Lord  God. 


sect,  iv.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


109 


of  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven;/  or,  in  the  least, 
interfere  in  matters  of  faith.  0  Yet,  as  nursing  fathers,  it 
is  the  duty  of  civil  magistrates  to  protect  the  Church  of 
our  common  Lord,  without  giving  the  preference  to  any 
denomination  of  Christians  above  the  rest,  in  such  a  man¬ 
ner  that  all  ecclesiastical  persons  whatever  shall  enjoy  the 
full,  free,  and  unquestioned  liberty  of  discharging  every 
part  of  their  sacred  functions,  without  violence  or  danger.^ 
And,  as  Jesus  Christ  hath  appointed  a  regular  government 
and  discipline  in  his  Church,  no  law  of  any  commonwealth 
should  interfere  with,  let,  or  hinder,  the  due  exercise  there¬ 
of,  among  the  voluntary  members  of  any  denomination  of 
Christians,  according  to  their  own  profession  and  belief/ 
It  is  the  duty  of  civil  magistrates  to  protect  the  person 
and  good  name  of  all  their  people,  in  such  an  effectual 
manner  as  that  no  person  be  suffered,  either  upon  pretence 
of  religion  or  of  infidelity,  to  offer  any  indignity,  violence, 
abuse,  or  injury  to  any  other  person  whatsoever :  and  to 
take  order,  that  all  religious  and  ecclesiastical  assemblies 
be  held  without  molestation  or  disturbance^ 

IY.  It  is  the  duty  of  people  to  pray  for  magistrates/  to 


/Matt.  xvi.  19.  And  I  will  give  unto  thee  the  keys  of  the  kingdom 
of  heaven :  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound 
in  heaven ;  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on  earth  shall  be  loosed 
in  heaven.  1  Cor.  iv.  1,  2.  Let  a  man  so  account  of  us,  as  of  the  min* * 
isters  of  Christ,  and  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God.  Moreover  it  is 
required  in  stewards,  that  a  man  be  found  faithful. 

0  John  xviii.  36.  Jesus  answered,  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world. 
Acts  v.  29.  Then  Peter  and  the  other  apostles  answered  and  said,  We 
ought  to  obey  God  rather  than  men.  Eph.  iv.  11,  12.  And  he  gave 
some,  apostles ;  and  some,  prophets  ;  and  some,  evangelists ;  and 
some,  pastors  and  teachers  ;  For  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ. 

AIsa.  xlix.  23.  And  kings  shall  be  thy  nursing  fathers,  and  their 
queens  thy  nursing  mothers.  See  Rom.  xiii.  1-6. 

*Psa.  cv.  15.  Touch  not  mine  anointed,  and  do  my  prophets  no 
harm.  See  Acts  xviii.  14-16. 

*2  Sam.  xxiii.  3.  The  God  of  Israel  said,  the  Rock  of  Israel  spake 
to  me,  He  that  ruleth  over  men  must  he  just,  ruling  in  the  fear  of  God. 
See  Rom.  xiii.  4. 

IV.  llTim.  ii.  1-3.  I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplica¬ 
tions,  prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of  thanks,  be  made  for  all 


110 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  tcHAP.  xxm. 


honor  their  persons,™  to  pay  them  tribute  and  other  dues,7* 
to  obey  their  lawful  commands,  and  to  he  subject  to  their 
authority,  for  conscience’  sake.0  Infidelity  or  difference 
in  religion,  doth  not  make  void  the  magistrate’s  just  and 
legal  authority,  nor  free  the  people  from  their  due  obedi¬ 
ence  to  him:P  from  which  ecclesiastical  persons  are  not 
exempted;  Q  much  less  hath  the  Pope  any  power  or  juris¬ 
diction  over  them  in  their  dominions,  or  over  any  of  their 
people ;  and  least  of  all  to  deprive  them  of  their  domin¬ 
ions  or  lives,  if  he  shall  judge  them  to  be  heretics,  or  upon 
any  other  pretence  whatsoever/ 

men  ;  For  kings,  and/or  all  that  are  in  authority;  that  we  may  lead 
a  quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and  honesty.  For  this  is 
good  and  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God  our  Saviour. 

m  1  Pet.  ii.  17.  Fear  God.  Honor  the  king. 

nMatt.  xxii.  21.  Render  therefore  unto  Caesar  the  things  which  are 
Caesar’s  ;  and  unto  God  the  things  that  are  God’s.  Rom.  xiii.  6,  7.  For, 
for  this  cause  pay  ye  tribute  also :  for  they  are  God’s  ministers,  at¬ 
tending  continually  upon  this  very  thing.  Render  therefore  to  all 
their  dues :  tribute  to  whom  tribute  is  due;  custom  to  whom  custom ; 
fear  to  whom  fear ;  honor  to  whom  honor. 

oRom.  xiii.  5.  Wherefore  ye  must  needs  be  subject,  not  only  for 
wrath,  but  also  for  conscience’  sake.  Tit.  iii.  1.  Put  them  in  mind  to 
be  subject  to  principalities  and  powers,  to  obey  magistrates,  to  be 
ready  to  every  good  work. 

Pl  Pet.  ii.  13, 14, 16.  Submit  yourselves  to  every  ordinance  of  man 
for  the  Lord’s  sake :  whether  it  be  to  the  king,  as  supreme :  Or  unto 
governors,  as  unto  them  that  are  sent  by  him  for  the  punishment  of 
evil  doers,  and  for  the  praise  of  them  that  do  well.— As  free,  and  not 
using  your  liberty  for  a  cloak  of  maliciousness,  but  as  the  servants  of 
God. 

9  Rom.  xiii.  1.  Let  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the  higher  powers. 
Acts  xxv.  10, 11.  Then  said  Paul,  I  stand  at  Caesar’s  judgment  seat, 
where  I  ought  to  be  judged :  to  the  Jews  have  I  done  no  wrong,  as 
thou  very  well  knowest.  For  if  I  be  an  offender,  or  have  committed 
any  thing  worthy  of  death,  I  refuse  not  to  die:  but  if  there  be  none 
of  these  things  whereof  these  accuse  me,  no  man  may  deliver  me 
unto  them.  I  appeal  unto  Caesar. 

r 2  Tim.  ii.  24.  And  the  servant  of  the  Lord  must  not  strive;  but  be 
gentle  unto  all  men,  apt  to  teach,  patient.  1  Pet.  v.  3.  Neither  as 
oeing  lords  over  God's  heritage,  but  being  ensamples  to  the  flock. 


Ill 


sect,  iii.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

OF  MARRIAGE  AND  DIVORCE. 

I.  Marriage  is  to  be  between  one  man  and  one  woman : 
neither  is  it  lawful  for  any  man  to  have  more  than  one 
wife,  nor  for  any  woman  to  have  more  than  one  husbands 
at  the  same  time.a 

II.  Marriage  was  ordained  for  the  mutual  help  of  hus¬ 
band  and  wife  ; I. * * * *  &  for  the  increase  of  mankind  with  a  legiti¬ 
mate  issue,  and  of  the  Church  with  an  holy  seed ; c  and 
for  preventing  of  uncleanness. ^ 

III.  It  is  lawful  for  all  sorts  of  people  to  marry  who  are 
able  with  judgment  to  give  their  consent;6  yet  it  is  the 
duty  of  Christians  to  marry  only  in  the  Lord./  And, 


I.  aGen.  ii.  24.  Therefore  shall  a  man  leave  his  father  and  his 
mother,  and  shall  cleave  unto  his  wife  :  and  they  shall  be  one  flesh. 
Matt.  xix.  4-6.  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Have  ye  not 
read,  that  he  which  made  them  at  the  beginning  made  them  male  and 
female,  And  said,  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  father  and  mother, 
and  shall  cleave  to  his  wife:  and  they  twain  shall  be  one  flesh? 
Wherefore  they  are  no  more  twain,  but  one  flesh.  What  therefore 
God  hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put  asunder.  See  Rom.  vii.  3. 

II.  b  Gen.  ii.  18.  And  the  Lord  God  said,  It  is  not  good  that  the  man 
should  be  alone ;  I  will  make  him  a  help  meet  for  him. 

cGen.  ix.  1.  And  God  blessed  Noah  and  his  sons,  and  said  unto 
them,  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  replenish  the  earth.  Mai.  ii.  15. 
And  did  not  he  make  one?  Yet  had  he  the  residue  of  the  Spirit. 
And  wherefore  one  ?  That  he  might  seek  a  godly  seed.  There/ore 
take  heed  to  your  spirit,  and  let  none  deal  treacherously  against  the 
wife  of  his  youth. 

d  1  Cor.  vii.  2,  9.  Nevertheless,  to  avoid  fornication,  let  every  man 
have  his  own  wife,  and  let  every  woman  have  her  own  husband. — But 
if  they  cannot  contain,  let  them  marry  :  for  it  is  better  to  marry  than 
to  burn. 

III.  «Heb.  xiii.  4.  Marriage  is  honorable  in  all,  and  the  bed  unde¬ 
filed  :  but  whoremongers  and  adulterers  God  will  judge.  1  Tim.  iv.  3. 
Forbiding  to  marry,  and  commanding  to  abstain  from  meats,  which 
God  hath  created  to  be  received  with  thanksgiving  of  them  which 
believe  and  know  the  truth.  Gen.  xxiv.  57,  58.  And  they  said,  We 
will  call  the  damsel,  and  inquire  at  her  mouth.  And  they  called 
Rebekah,  and  said  unto  her,  Wilt  thou  go  with  this  man?  And  she 
said,  I  will  go. 

f\  Cor.  vii.  39.  The  wife  is  bound  by  the  law  as  long  as  her  hus* 


112 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  xxiv. 


therefore,  such  as  profess  the  true  reformed  religion  should 
not  marry  with  infidels,  Papists,  or  other  idolaters  :  neither 
should  such  as  are  godly  be  unequally  yoked,  by  marrying 
with  such  as  are  notoriously  wicked  in  their  life  or  main¬ 
tain  damnable  heresies.  £ 

IV.  Marriage  ought  not  to  be  within  the  degrees  of  con¬ 
sanguinity  or  affinity  forbidden  in  the  Word  ;h  nor  can  such 
incestuous  marriages  ever  be  made  lawful  by  any  law  of 
man,  or  consent  of  parties,  so  as  those  persons  may  live 
together  as  man  and  wife.* 

V.  Adultery  or  fornication,  committed  after  a  contract, 
being  detected  before  marriage,  giveth  just  occasion  to  the 
innocent  party  to  dissolve  that  contract.*  In  the  case  of 
adultery  after  marriage,  it  is  lawful  for  the  innocent  party 


band  liveth  ;  but  if  her  husband  be  dead,  she  is  at  liberty  to  be  mar¬ 
ried  to  whom  she  will ;  only  in  the  Lord. 

a  2  Cor.  vi.  14.  Be  ye  not  unequally  yoked  together  with  unbelievers  : 
for  what  fellowship  hath  righteousness  with  unrighteousness?  and 
what  communion  hath  light  with  darkness?  See  Deut.  vii.  3,  4;  1 
Kings  xi.  4 ;  Neh.  xiii.  25-27. 

IV.  ASee  Lev.  xviii.  1  Cor.  v.  1.  It  is  reported  commonly  that  there  is 
fornication  among  you,  and  such  fornication  as  is  not  so  much  as 
named  among  the  Gentiles,  that  one  should  have  his  father’s  wife. 

*Mark  vi.  18.  For  John  had  said  unto  Herod,  It  is  not  lawful  for 
thee  to  have  thy  brother’s  wife.  Lev.  xviii.  24-28.  Defile  not  ye 
yourselves  in  any  of  these  things :  for  in  all  these  the  nations  are 
defiled  which  I  cast  out  before  you :  And  the  land  is  defiled  :  there¬ 
fore  I  do  visit  the  iniquity  thereof  upon  it,  and  the  land  itself  vom- 
iteth  out  her  inhabitants.  Ye  shall  therefore  keep  my  statutes  and 
my  judgments,  and  shall  not  commit  any  of  these  abominations; 
neither  any  of  your  own  nation,  nor  any  stranger  that  sojourneth 
among  you :  (For  all  these  abominations  have  the  men  of  the  land 
done,  which  were  before  you,  and  the  land  is  defiled;)  That  the  land 
spew  not  you  out  also,  when  ye  defile  it,  as  it  spewed  out  the  nations 
that  were  before  you. 

V.  k Matt.  i.  18-20.  Now  the  birth  of  Jesus  Christ  was  on  this  wise: 
When  as  his  mother  Mary  was  espoused  to  Joseph,  before  they  came 
together,  she  was  found  with  child  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Then  Joseph 
her  husband,  being  a  just  man,  and  not  willing  to  make  her  a  public 
example,  was  minded  to  put  her  away  privily.  But  while  he  thought 
on  these  things,  behold,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him  in  a 
dream,  saying,  Joseph,  thou  son  of  David,  fear  not  to  take  unto  thee 
Mary  thy  wife :  for  that  which  is  conceived  in  her  is  of  the  Holy 
Ghost. 


sect,  vi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


113 


to  sue  out  a  divorce, 1  and  after  the  divorce  to  marry  an¬ 
other,  as  if  the  offending  party  were  dead.w 

YI.  Although  the  corruption  of  man  be  such  as  is  apt 
to  study  arguments,  unduly  to  put  asunder  those  whom 
God  hath  joined  together  in  marriage;  yet  nothing  but 
adultery,  or  such  willful  desertion  as  can  no  way  be  reme¬ 
died  by  the  Church  or  civil  magistrate,  is  cause  sufficient 
of  dissolving  the  bond  of  marriage  :n  wherein  a  public 
and  orderly  course  of  proceeding  is  to  be  observed ;  and 
the  persons  concerned  in  it  not  left  to  their  own  wills  and 
discretion  in  their  own  case.0 


*Matt.  v.  31,  32.  It  hath  been  said,  Whosoever  shall  put  away  his 
wife,  let  him  give  her  a  writing  of  divorcement :  But  I  say  unto  you, 
That  whosoever  shall  put  away  his  wife,  saving  for  the  cause  of  for¬ 
nication,  causeth  her  to  commit  adultery  :  and  whosoever  shall  marry 
her  that  is  divorced  committeth  adultery. 

mMatt.  xix.  9.  And  I  say  unto  you,  Whosoever  shall  put  away  his 
wife,  except  it  be  for  fornication,  and  shall  marry  another,  committeth 
adultery ;  and  whoso  marrieth  her  which  is  put  away  doth  commit 
adultery.  See  Rom.  vii.  2,  3. 

VI.  nMatt.  xix.  8.  He  saith  unto  them,  Moses  because  of  the  hard¬ 
ness  of  your  hearts  suffered  you  to  put  away  your  wives :  but  from 
the  beginning  it  was  not  so.  1  Cor.  vii.  15.  But  if  the  unbelieving 
depart,  let  him  depart.  A  brother  or  a  sister  is  not  under  bondage  in 
such  cases:  but  God  hath  called  us  to  peace.  Matt.  xix.  6.  Wherefore 
they  are  no  more  twain,  but  one  flesh.  What  therefore  God  hath 
joined  together,  let  not  man  put  asunder. 

0  Deut.  xxiv.  1^4.  When  a  man  hath  taken  a  wife,  and  married  her, 
and  it  come  to  pass  that  she  find  no  favor  in  his  eyes,  because  he 
hath  found  some  uncleanness  in  her :  then  let  him  write  her  a  bill  of 
divorcement,  and  give  it  in  her  hand,  and  send  her  out  of  his  house. 
And  when  she  is  departed  out  of  his  house,  she  may  go  and  be 
another  man’s  wife.  And  if  the  latter  husband  hate  her,  and  write 
her  a  bill  of  divorcement,  and  giveth  it  in  her  hand,  and  sendeth  her 
out  of  his  house ;  or  if  the  latter  husband  die,  which  took  her  to  be 
his  wife ;  Her  former  husband,  which  sent  her  away,  may  not  take 
her  again  to  be  his  wife,  after  that  she  is  defiled  ;  for  that  is  abomina¬ 
tion  before  the  Lord  :  and  thou  shalt  not  cause  the  land  to  sin,  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  for  an  inheritance.  Ezra  x.  3.  Now 
therefore  let  us  make  a  covenant  with  our  God  to  put  away  all  the 
wives,  and  such  as  are  born  of  them,  according  to  the  counsel  of  my 
2ord,  and  of  those  that  tremble  at  the  commandment  of  our  God; 
and  let  it  be  done  according  to  the  law. 


8 


114 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  xxV' 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

OF  THE  CHURCH. 

I.  The  catholic  or  universal  Church,  which  is  invisible, 
consists  of  the  whole  number  of  the  elect,  that  have  been, 
are,  or  shall  be  gathered  into  one,  under  Christ  the  head 
thereof;  and  is  the  spouse,  the  body,  the  fullness  of  him 
that  filleth  all  in  all.a 

II.  The  visible  Church,  which  is  also  catholic  or  univer¬ 
sal  under  the  gospel  (not  confined  to  one  nation,  as  before 
under  the  law),  consists  of  all  those  throughout  the  world, 
that  profess  the  true  religion, b  together  with  their  chil¬ 
dren;0  and  is  the  kingdom  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,1 d  the 

I.  a  Epb.  i.  10,  22,  23.  That  in  the  dispensation  of  the  fullness  of 

times  he  might  gather  together  in  one  all  things  in  Christ,  both  which 
are  in  heaven,  and  which  are  on  earth ;  even  in  him.— And  hath  put 
all  things  under  his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  the  head  over  all  things  to 

the  church,  Which  is  his  body,  the  fullness  of  him  that  filleth  all  in 
all.  Col.  i.  18.  And  he  is  the  head  of  the  body,  the  church.  See 
Eph.  v.  23,  27,  32. 

II. I. * * * *  61  Cor.  i.  2.  Unto  the  church  of  God  which  is  at  Corinth,  to  them 
that  are  sanctified  in  Christ  Jesus,  called  to  be  saints,  with  all  that  in 
every  place  call  upon  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  both  theirs 
and  ours.  1  Cor.  xii.  12, 13.  For  as  the  body  is  one,  and  hath  many 
members,  and  all  the  members  of  that  one  body,  being  many,  are  one 
body :  so  also  is  Christ.  For  by  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one 
body,  whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether  ive  be  bond  or  free ; 
and  have  been  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit.  Psa.  ii.  8.  Ask  of 
me,  and  I  shall  give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine  inheritance,  and  the 
uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  possession.  See  Rom.  xv.  9-12. 

C1  Cor.  vii.  14.  For  the  unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified  by  the 
wife,  and  the  unbelieving  wife  is  sanctified  by  the  husband  :  else  were 
your  children  unclean ;  but  now  are  they  holy.  Acts  ii.  39.  For  the 
promise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off 
even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call.  Gen.  xvii.  7.  And  I  wiF 
establish  my  covenant  between  me  and  thee  and  thy  seed  after  thee 
in  their  generations,  for  an  everlasting  covenant,  to  be  a  God  unto 
thee  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee.  Rom.  xi.  16.  For  if  the  firstfruit  be 
holy,  the  lump  isalso  holy :  and  if  the  root  fceholy,  so  are  the  branches. 
See  Gal.  iii.  7,  9, 14  ;  Rom.  iv. 

dMatt.  xiii.  31.  Another  parable  put  he  forth  unto  them,  saying, 
The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  to  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  which  * 
man  took,  and  sowed  in  his  field.  Col.  i.  13.  Who  hath  delivered  us 
from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  hath  translated  us  into  the  kingdom 
of  his  dear  Son.  See  Psa.  lxxii. ;  Isa.  ix.  7. 


/sect,  iv.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


115 


house  and  family  of  God, e  out  of  which  there  is  no  ordi¬ 
nary  possibility  of  salvation./ 

III.  Unto  this  catholic  visible  Church,  Christ  hath  given 
the  ministry,  oracles,  and  ordinances  of  God,  for  the  gath¬ 
ering  and  perfecting  of  the  saints,  in  this  life,  to  the  end 
of  the  world :  and  doth  by  his  own  presence  and  Spirit, 
according  to  his  promise,  make  them  effectual  thereunto.  9 

IV.  This  catholic  Church  hath  been  sometimes  more, 
sometimes  less,  visible. h  And  particular  churches,  which 
are  members  thereof,  are  more  or  less  pure,  according  as 
the  doctrine  of  the  gospel  is  taught  and  embraced,  ordi¬ 
nances  administered,  and  public  worship  performed  more 
or  less  purely  in  them  A 

*  Eph.  ii.  19.  Now  therefore  ye  are  no  more  strangers  and  foreigners, 
but  fellow  citizens  with  the  saints,  and  of  the  household  of  God. 
Eph.  iii.  15.  Of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and  earth  is 
named. 

/Matt.  x.  32,  33.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  confess  me  before  men, 
him  will  I  confess  also  before  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven.  But 
whosoever  shall  deny  me  before  men,  him  will  I  also  deny  before  my 
Father  which  is  in  heaven.  Acts  ii.  47.  And  the  Lord  added  to  the 
church  daily  such  as  should  be  saved. 

III.  y  Eph.  iv.  11-13.  And  he  gave  some,  apostles ;  and  some,  proph¬ 
ets  ;  and  some,  evangelists  ;  and  some,  pastors  and  teachers ;  For  the 
perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying 
of  the  body  of  Christ :  Till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith,  and 
of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto  the 
measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fullness  of  Christ.  Isa.  lix.  21.  As  for 
me,  this  is  my  covenant  with  them,  saith  the  Lord  ;  My  Spirit  that  is 
upon  thee,  and  my  words  which  I  have  put  in  thy  mouth,  shall  not 
depart  out  of  thy  mouth,  nor  out  of  the  mouth  of  thy  seed,  nor  out 
of  the  mouth  of  thy  seed’s  seed,  saith  the  Lord,  from  henceforth  and 
for  ever.  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations, 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost :  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have 
commanded  you  :  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world.  Amen. 

IV.  h  Rom.  xi.  3,  4.  Lord,  they  have  killed  thy  prophets,  and  digged 
down  thine  altars  ;  and  I  am  left  alone,  and  they  seek  my  life.  But 
what  saith  the  answer  of  God  unto  him  ?  I  have  reserved  to  myself 
seven  thousand  men,  who  have  not  bowed  the  knee  to  the  image  of 
Baal.  See  Acts  ix.  31. 

i  Acts  ii.  41,  42.  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were  bap¬ 
tized  :  and  the  same  day  there  were  added  unto  them  about  three 
thousand  souls.  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the  apostles’  doc- 


116 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH .  [chap,  xxv 


V.  The  purest  churches  under  heaven  are  subject  both 
to  mixture  and  error  and  some  have  so  degenerated,  as 
to  become  no  churches  of  Christ,  but  synagogues  of  Satan.* 
Nevertheless,  there  shall  be  always  a  Church  on  earth,  to 
worship  God  according  to  his  will.™ 

VI.  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  the  only  head  of  the 
Church,”  and  the  claim  of  any  man  to  be  the  vicar  of 
Christ  and  the  head  of  the  Church,  is  un scriptural,  with¬ 
out  warrant  in  fact,  and  is  a  usurpation  dishonoring  to 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.0 

trine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers.  1  Cor. 
v.  G,  7.  Your  glorying  is  not  good.  Know  ye  not  that  a  little  leaven 
‘eaveneth  the  whole  lump  ?  Purge  out  therefore  the  old  leaven,  that 
ye  may  be  a  new  lump,  as  ye  are  unleavened.  For  even  Christ  our 
passover  is  sacrificed  for  us.  See  Rev.  ii.  and  iii. 

V.  k  1  Cor.  i.  2.  Unto  the  Church  of  God  which  is  at  Corinth,  to 
them  that  are  sanctified  in  Christ  Jesus,  called  to  be  saints,  with  all 
that  in  every  place  call  upon  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  both 
theirs  and  ours.  See  1  Cor.  v.  1  Cor.  xiii.  12.  For  now  we  see 
through  a  glass,  darkly  ;  but  then  face  to  face  :  now  I  know  in  part ; 
but  then  shall  I  know  even  as  also  I  am  known.  Matt.  xiii.  24-30,  47. 
Another  parable  put  he  forth  unto  them,  saying,  The  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  likened  unto  a  man  which  sowed  good  seed  in  his  field  :  But 
while  men  slept,  his  enemy  came  and  sowed  tares  among  the  wheat, 
and  went  his  way.  But  when  the  blade  was  sprung  up,  and  brought 
forth  fruit,  then  appeared  the  tares  also,  etc— Again,  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  like  unto  a  net,  that  was  cast  into  the  sea,  and  gathered  of 
every  kind.  See  Rev.  ii.  and  iii. 

i  Rom.  xi.  20-22.  Well ;  because  of  unbelief  they  were  broken  off, 
and  thou  standest  by  faith.  Be  not  highminded,  but  fear :  For  if  God 
spared  not  the  natural  branches,  take  heed  lest  he  also  spare  not  thee. 
Behold  therefore  the  goodness  and  severity  of  God :  on  them  which 
fell,  severity;  but  toward  thee,  goodness,  if  thou  continue  in  his 
goodness :  otherwise  thou  also  shalt  be  cut  off.  Rev.  ii.  9.  1  know 
thy  works,  and  tribulation,  and  poverty,  (but  thou  art  rich)  and  i 
know  the  blasphemy  of  them  which  say  they  are  Jews,  and  are  not^ 
but  are  the  synagogue  of  Satan. 

m  Matt.  xvi.  18.  And  I  say  also  unto  thee,  That  thou  art  Peter ;  and 
upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church ;  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall 
not  prevail  against  it.  See  Psa.  lxxii ;  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20. 

VI.  "Col.  i.  18.  And  he  is  the  head  of  the  body,  the  church  :  who  is 
the  beginning,  the  firstborn  from  the  dead;  that  in  all  things  he 
might  have  the  preeminence.  Epli.  i.  22.  And  hath  put  all  things 
under  his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  the  head  over  all  things  to  the 
church. 

•  Matt,  xxiii.  8-10.  But  be  not  ye  called  Rabbi :  for  one  is  your 


SECT.  I.  | 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


117 


CHAPTER  XX.VI. 

OF  THE  COMMUNION  OF  SAINTS. 

I.  All  saints  that  are  united  to  Jesus  Christ  their  head, 
by  his  Spirit  and  by  faith,  have  fellowship  with  him  in  his 
graces,  sufferings,  death,  resurrection,  and  glory  :a  and, 
being  united  to  one  another  in  love,  they  have  commu¬ 
nion  in  each  other’s  gifts  and  graces ; b  and  are  obliged  to 
the  performance  of  such  duties,  public  and  private,  as  do 

Master,  even  Christ ;  and  all  ye  are  brethren.  And  call  no  man  your 
father  upon  the  earth :  for  one  is  your  Father,  which  is  in  heaven. 
Neither  he  ye  called  masters :  for  one  is  your  Master,  even  Christ. 

1  Pet.  v.  2-4.  Feed  the  flock  of  God  which  is  among  you,  taking  the 
oversight  thereof ,  not  by  constraint,  hut  willingly ;  not  for  filthy  lucre, 
but  of  a  ready  mind ;  Neither  as  being  lords  over  God's  heritage,  but 
being  ensamples  to  the  flock.  And  when  the  chief  Shepherd  shall 
appear,  ye  shall  receive  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away. 

2  Thess.  ii.  3,  4.  Let  no  man  deceive  you  by  any  means :  for  that  day 
shall  not  come ,  except  there  come  a  falling  away  first,  and  that  man  of 
sin  be  revealed,  the  son  of  perdition ;  Who  opposeth  and  exalteth 
himself  above  all  that  is  called  God,  or  that  is  worshipped ;  so  that 
he  as  God  sitteth  in  the  temple  of  God,  showing  himself  that  he  is 
God. 

I.  a  1  John  i.  3.  That  which  we  have  seen  and  heard  declare  we 
unto  you,  that  ye  also  may  have  fellowship  with  us :  and  truly  our 
fellowship  is  with  the  Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  Eph. 
iii.  16,  17.  That  he  would  grant  you,  according  to  the  riches  of  his 
glory,  to  be  strengthened  with  might  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner  man ; 
That  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  hearts  by  faith.  John  i.  16.  And  of  his 
fullness  have  all  we  received,  and  grace  for  grace.  Phil.  iii.  10.  That 
I  may  know  him,  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  the  fellow- 
ship  of  his  sufferings,  being  made  conformable  unto  his  death.  Rom- 
vi.  5,  6.  For  if  we  have  been  planted  together  in  the  likeness  of  his 
death,  we  shall  be  also  in  the  likeness  of  his  resurrection:  Knowing 
this,  that  our  old  man  is  crucified  with  him,  that  the  body  of  sin 
might  be  destroyed,  that  henceforth  we  should  not  serve  sin.  Rom. 
viii.  17.  And  if  children,  then  heirs;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs 
with  Christ ;  if  so  he  that  we  suffer  with  him,  that  we  may  be  also 
glorified  together. 

b Eph.  iv.  15,  16.  But  speaking  the  truth  in  love,  may  grow  up  into 
him  in  all  things,  which  is  the  head,  even  Christ:  From  whom  the 
whole  body  fitly  joined  together  and  compacted  by  that  which  every 
joint  supplieth,  according  to  the  effectual  working  in  the  measure  of 
every  part,  maketh  increase  of  the  body  unto  the  edifying  of  itself 
in  love. 


118  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  xxyi. 

conduce  to  their  mutual  good,  both  in  the  inward  and  out¬ 
ward  man.c 

II.  Saints,  by  profession,  are  bound  to  maintain  an  holy 
fellowship  and  communion,  in  the  worship  of  God,  and  in 
performing  such  other  spiritual  services  as  tend  to  their 
mutual  edification ;  d  as  also  in  relieving  each  other  in  out¬ 
ward  things,  according  to  their  several  abilities  and  neces¬ 
sities.  Which  communion,  as  God  offereth  opportunity,  is 
to  be  extended  unto  all  those,  who,  in  every  place,  call 
upon  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus. e 

III.  This  communion  which  the  saints  have  with  Christ, 
doth  not  make  them  in  any  wise  partakers  of  the  substance 
of  his  Godhead,  or  to  be  equal  with  Christ  in  any  respect: 
either  of  which  to  affirm,  is  impious  and  blasphemous./ 


C1  Thess.  v.  11,  14.  Wherefore  comfort  yourselves  together,  and 
edify  one  another,  even  as  also  ye  do.— Now  we  exhort  you,  brethren, 
warn  them  that  are  unruly,  comfort  the  feebleminded,  support  the 
weak,  be  patient  toward  all  men.  Gal.  vi.  10.  As  we  have  therefore 
opportunity,  let  us  do  good  unto  all  men,  especially  unto  them  who 
are  of  the  household  of  faith.  See  1  John  iii.  16-18. 

II.  d  Heb.  x.  24, 25.  And  let  us  consider  one  another  to  provoke  unto 
love,  and  to  good  works :  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  ourselves 
together,  as  the  manner  of  some  is;  but  exhorting  one  another:  and 
so  much  the  more,  as  ye  see  the  day  approaching.  Acts  ii.  42,  46.  And 
they  continued  steadfastly  in  the  apostles’  doctrine  and  fellowship, 
and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers.— And  they,  continuing  daily 
with  one  accord  in  the  temple,  and  breaking  bread  from  house  to 
house,  did  eat  their  meat  with  gladness  and  singleness  of  heart.  See 
Isa.  ii.  3;  1  Cor.  xi.  20. 

«1  John  iii.  17.  But  whoso  hath  this  world’s  good,  and  seeth  his 
brother  have  need,  and  shutteth  up  his  bowels  of  compassion  from 
him,  how  dwelleth  the  love  of  God  in  him?  Acts  xi.  29,  30.  Then 
the  disciples,  every  man  according  to  his  ability,  determined  to  send 
relief  unto  the  brethren  which  dwelt  in  Judea:  Which  also  they  did, 
and  sent  it  to  the  elders  by  the  hands  of  Barnabas  and  Saul.  See 
2  Cor.  viii.;  ix. 

III.  /Col.  i.  18.  And  he  is  the  head  of  the  body,  the  church  :  who  is 
the  beginning,  the  firstborn  from  the  dead;  that  in  all  things  he 
might  have  the  preeminence.  1  Cor.  viii.  6.  But  to  us  there  is  but  one 
God,  the  Father,  of  whom  are  all  things,  and  we  in  him ;  and  one 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  are  all  things,  and  we  by  him.  See  Psa. 
xlv.  7.  1  Tim.  vi.  15,  16.  Which  in  his  times  he  shall  show,  who  is 
the  blessed  and  only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords; 
Who  only  hath  immortality,  dwelling  in  the  light  which  no  man  can 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


119 


Nor  doth  their  communion  one  with  another,  as  saints, 
take  away,  or  infringe  the  title  or  property  which  each 
man  hath  in  his  goods  and  possessions.^ 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

OF  THE  SACRAMENTS. 

I.  Sacraments  are  holy  signs  and  seals  of  the  covenant 
of  grace,0  immediately  instituted  by  God, b  to  represent 
Christ  and  his  benefits,  and  to  confirm  our  interest  in 
him  : c  as  also  to  put  a  visible  difference  between  those 
that  belong  unto  the  Church,  and  the  rest  of  the  world ; d 

approach  unto ;  whom  no  man  hath  seen,  nor  can  see :  to  whom  be 
honor  and  power  everlasting.  Amen. 

ff  Acts  v.  4.  While  it  remained,  was  it  not  thine  own?  and  after  it 
was  sold,  was  it  not  in  thine  own  power?  why  hast  thou  conceived 
this  thing  in  thine  heart?  thou  hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but  unto 
God. 

I.  «Rom.  iv.  11.  And  he  received  the  sign  of  circumcision,  a  seal  of 
the  righteousness  of  the  faith  which  he  had  yet  being  uncircumcised : 
that  he  might  be  the  father  of  all  them  that  believe,  though  they  be 
not  circumcised ;  that  righteousness  might  be  imputed  unto  them  also. 
Gen.  xvii.  7, 10.  And  I  will  establish  my  covenant  between  me  and 
thee,  and  thy  seed  after  thee,  in  their  generations,  for  an  everlasting 
covenant,  to  be  a  God  unto  thee  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee.— This  is 
my  covenant,  which  ye  shall  keep,  between  me  and  you  and  thy  seed 
after  thee ;  Every  man  child  among  you  shall  be  circumcised. 

h  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  1  Cor.  xi.  23.  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also 
I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  he 
was  betrayed,  took  bread. 

c  1  Cor.  x.  16.  The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  com¬ 
munion  of  the  blood  of  Christ?  The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not 
the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ?  1  Cor.  xi.  25,  26.  After  the 
same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying,  This 
cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood  :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink 
it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and 
drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death  till  he  come.  Gal.  iii.  27. 
For  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized  into  Christ  have  put  on 
Christ. 

dEx.  xii.  48.  And  when  a  stranger  shall  sojourn  with  thee,  and  will 


120 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap,  xxvii. 


and  solemnly  to  engage  them  to  the  service  of  God  in 
Christ,  according  to  his  Word.6 

II.  There  is  in  every  Sacrament  a  spiritual  relation,  or 
sacramental  union,  between  the  sign  and  the  thing  signi¬ 
fied;  whence  it  comes  to  pass,  that  the  names  and  effects 
of  the  one  are  attributed  to  the  other./ 

III.  The  grace  which  is  exhibited  in  or  by  the  Sacra¬ 
ments,  rightly  used,  is  not  conferred  by  any  power  in 
them  ;  neither  doth  the  efficacy  of  a  Sacrament  depend 
upon  the  piety  or  intention  of  him  that  doth  administer 
it,#  but  upon  the  work  of  the  Spirit,*  and  the  word  of  in¬ 
stitution,  which  contains,  together  with  a  precept  author- 

keep  the  passover  to  the  Lord,  let  all  his  males  be  circumcised,  and 
then  let  him  come  near  and  keep  it ;  and  he  shall  be  as  one  that  is 
born  in  the  land:  for  no  uncircumcised  person  shall  eat  thereof 
1  Cor.  x.  21.  Ye  cannot  drink  the  cup  of  the  Lord,  and  the  cup  of 
devils :  ye  cannot  be  partakers  of  the  Lord’s  table,  and  of  the  table 
©f  devils. 

«Rom.  vi.  3,  4.  Know  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  nz  as  were  baptized 
into  Jesus  Christ  were  baptized  into  his  death?  Therefore  we  are 
buried  with  him  by  baptism  into  death  :  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised 
up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should 
walk  in  newness  of  life.  1  Cor.  x.  2,  16.  And  were  all  baptized  unto 
Moses  in  the  cloud  and  in  the  sea. — The  cup  of  blessing  which  we 
bless,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of  Christ?  The  bread 
which  we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ? 

II.  /Gen.  xvii.  10.  This  is  my  covenant,  which  ye  shall  keep,  be¬ 
tween  me  and  you,  and  thy  seed  after  thee :  Every  man  child  among 
you  shall  be  circumcised.  Matt.  xxvi.  27,  28.  And  he  took  the  cup, 
and  gave  thanks,  and  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it;  For 
this  is  my  blood  of  the  new  testament,  which  is  shed  for  many  for 
the  remission  of  sins.  Tit.  iii.  5.  Not  by  works  of  righteousness 
which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the 
washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

III.  cRom.  ii.  28,  29.  For  he  is  not  a  Jew,  which  is  one  outwardly  ; 
neither  is  that  circumcision,  which  is  outward  in  the  flesh  :  But  he  is 
a  Jew,  which  is  one  inwardly ;  and  circumcision  is  that  of  the  heart, 
in  the  spirit,  and  not  in  the  letter;  whose  praise  ts  not  of  men,  but  of 
God.  1  Pet.  iii.  21.  The  like  figure  whereunto  even  baptism  doth  also 
now  save  us,  (not  the  putting  away  of  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but  the 
answer  of  a  good  conscience  toward  God,)  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

h  Matt.  iii.  11.  I  indeed  baptize  you  with  water  unto  repentance :  but 
he  that  cometh  after  me  is  mightier  than  I,  whose  shoes  I  am  not 
worthy  to  bear  he  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  with 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH 


121 


izing  the  use  thereof,  a  promise  of  benefit  to  worthy  re¬ 
ceivers.* 

IV.  There  be  only  two  Sacraments  ordained  by  Christ 
our  Lord  in  the  Gospel,  that  is  to  say,  Baptism  and  the 
Supper  of  the  Lord :  neither  of  which  may  be  dispensed 
by  any,  but  by  a  minister  of  the  Word,  lawfully  ordained. 

V.  The  Sacraments  of  the  Old  Testament,  in  regard  of 
the  spiritual  things  thereby  signified  and  exhibited,  wer^ 
for  substance,  the  same  with  those  of  the  New.^ 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

OF  BAPTISM. 

I.  Baptism  is  a  Sacrament  of  the  New  Testament, 
ordained  by  Jesus  Christ,0  not  only  for  the  solemn  admis- 

fire.  1  Cor.  xii.  13.  For  by  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one 
body,  whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether  we  be  bond  or  free ; 
and  have  been  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit. 

lLuke  xxii.  19,  20.  And  he  took  bread,  and  gave  thanks,  and  brake 
it ,  and  gave  unto  them,  saying,  This  is  my  body  which  is  given  for 
you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  Likewise  also  the  cup  after 
supper,  saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood,  which  is 
shed  for  you.  1  Cor.  xi.  26.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and 
drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death  till  he  come. 

IV.  *Matt.  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap¬ 
tizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  1  Cor.  xi.  20,  23.  When  ye  come  together  therefore  into 
one  place,  this  is  not  to  eat  the  Lord’s  supper. — For  I  have  received  of 
the  Lord  that  which  also  I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus, 
the  same  night  in  which  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread.  1  Cor.  iv.  1. 
Let  a  man  so  account  of  us,  as  of  the  ministers  of  Christ,  and  stewards 
of  the  mysteries  of  God.  Heb.  v.  4.  And  no  man  taketh  this  honor 
unto  himself,  but  he  that  is  called  of  God,  as  was  Aaron. 

V.  *1  Cor.  x.  1-4.  Moreover,  brethren,  I  would  not  that  ye  should 
be  ignorant,  how  that  all  our  fathers  were  under  the  cloud,  and  all 
passed  through  the  sea;  And  were  all  baptized  unto  Moses  in  the 
cloud  and  in  the  sea;  And  did  all  eat  the  same  spiritual  meat;  And 
did  all  drink  the  same  spiritual  drink  :  for  they  drank  of  that  spirit¬ 
ual  Rock  which  followed  them :  and  that  Rock  was  Christ. 

I.  a  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptiz¬ 
ing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost. 


122 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap,  xxviil 


sion  of  the  party  baptized  into  the  visible  Church,6  but 
also  to  be  unto  him  a  sign  and  seal  of  the  covenant  of 
grace,0  of  his  ingrafting  into  Christ/  of  regeneration,0  of 
remission  of  sins/  and  of  his  giving  up  unto  God,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  to  walk  in  newness  of  life  :  ^  which  Sacra¬ 
ment  is,  by  Christ’s  own  appointment,  to  be  continued  in 
his  Church  until  the  end  of  the  world.6 

II.  The  outward  element  to  be  used  in  this  Sacrament  is 
water,  wherewith  the  party  is  to  be  baptized  in  the  name 
of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by 
a  minister  of  the  gospel,  lawfully  called  thereunto.* 

b  1  Cor.  xii.  13.  For  by  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one  body , 
whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether  we  be  bond  or  free ;  and  have 
been  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit.  See  Gal.  iii.  27,  28. 

cRom.  iv.  11.  And  he  received  the  sign  of  circumcision,  a  seal  of 
the  righteousness  of  the  faith  which  he  had  yet  being  uncircumcised  : 
that  he  might  be  the  father  of  all  them  that  believe,  though  they  be 
not  circumcised ;  that  righteousness  might  be  imputed  unto  them 
also.  See  Col.  ii.  11, 12.  In  whom  also  ye  are  circumcised  with  the 
circumcision  made  without  hands,  in  putting  off  the  body  of  the 
sins  of  the  flesh  by  the  circumcision  of  Christ  :  Buried  with  him 
in  baptism,  wherein  also  ye  are  risen  with  him  through  the  faith  of 
the  operation  of  God,  who  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead. 

dGal.  iii.  27.  For  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized  into  Christ 
have  put  on  Christ.  Rom.  vi.  5.  For  if  we  have  been  planted  to¬ 
gether  in  the  likeness  of  his  death,  we  shall  be  also  in  the  likeness  of 
his  resurrection. 

e  Tit.  iii.  5.  He  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  re¬ 
newing  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

/Mark  i.  4.  John  did  baptize  in  the  wilderness,  and  preach  the 
baptism  of  repentance  for  the  remission  of  sins.  Acts  ii.  38.  Peter 
said  unto  them,  Repent,  and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the 
name  of  Jesus  Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins.  See  Acts  xxii.  16. 

9  Rom.  vi.  3,  4.  Know  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  us  as  were  baptized 
into  Jesus  Christ  were  baptized  into  his  death?  Therefore  we  are 
buried  with  him  by  baptism  into  death  :  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised 
up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should 
walk  in  newness  of  life. 

h  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap¬ 
tizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost;  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have 
commanded  you:  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end 
of  the  world. 

II.  ‘Acts  x.  47.  Can  any  man  forbid  water,  that  these  should  not  be 
baptized,  which  have  received  the  Holy  Ghost?  Acts  viii.  36,  38.  And 
as  they  went  on  their  way,  they  came  unto  a  certain  water :  and  the 


SECT.  V.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


123 


III.  Dipping  of  the  person  into  the  water  is  not  neces¬ 
sary  ;  but  Baptism  is  rightly  administered  by  pouring  or 
sprinkling  water  upon  the  person. ^ 

IY.  Not  only  those  that  do  actually  profess  faith  in,  and 
obedience  unto  Christ/  but  also  the  infants  of  one  or  both 
believing  parents  are  to  be  baptized.™ 

Y.  Although  it  be  a  great  sin  to  contemn  or  neglect  this 
ordinance,71  yet  grace  and  salvation  are  not  so  inseparably 

eunuch  said,  See,  here  is  water ;  what  doth  hinder  me  to  be  baptized  ? 

—And  he  commanded  the  chariot  to  stand  still :  and  they  went  down 
both  into  the  water,  both  Philip  and  the  eunuch ;  and  he  baptized 
him.  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap¬ 
tizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

III.  *  Acts  ii.  41.  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word,  were  bap¬ 
tized:  and  the  same  day  there  were  added  unto  them  about  three 
thousand  souls.  Acts  x.  46,  47.  Then  answered  Peter,  Can  any  man 
forbid  water,  that  these  should  not  be  baptized,  which  have  received 
the  Holy  Ghost  as  well  as  we?  Acts  xvi.  33.  And  he  took  them  the 
same  hour  of  the  night,  and  washed  their  stripes ;  and  was  baptized, 
he  and  all  his,  straightway.  1  Cor.  x.  2.  And  were  all  baptized  unto 
Moses  in  the  cloud  and  in  the  sea. 

IV.  1 * III. IV. V.  Acts  ix.  18.  And  immediately  there  fell  from  his  eyes  as  it  had 
been  scales :  and  he  received  sight  forthwith,  and  arose,  and  was 
baptized. 

mGen.  xvii.  7,  9.  And  I  will  establish  my  covenant  between  me 
and  thee  and  thy  seed  after  thee  in  their  generations,  for  an  everlast¬ 
ing  covenant,  to  be  a  God  unto  thee  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee.— And 
God  said  unto  Abraham,  Thou  shalt  keep  my  covenant  therefore, 
thou,  and  thy  seed  after  thee  in  their  generations.  Gal.  iii.  9,  14.  So 
then  they  which  be  of  faith  are  blessed  with  faithful  Abraham.— That 
the  blessing  of  Abraham  might  come  on  the  Gentiles  through  Jesus 
Christ ;  that  we  might  receive  the  promise  of  the  Spirit  through  faith. 
Rom.  iv.  11,  12.  And  he  received  the  sign  of  circumcision,  a  seal  of 
the  righteousness  of  the  faith  which  he  had  yet  being  uncircumcised ; 
that  he  might  be  the  father  of  all  them  that  believe,  though  they  be 
not  circumcised ;  that  righteousness  might  be  imputed  unto  them 
also :  And  the  father  of  circumcision  to  them  who  are  not  of  the  cir¬ 
cumcision  only,  but  who  also  walk  in  the  steps  of  that  faith  of  our 
father  Abraham,  which  he  had  being  yet  uncircumcised.  Acts  ii.  38, 
39.  Repent,  and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  For  the  promise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your  children,  and 
to  all  that  are  afar  off,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call. 
See  Acts  xvi.  14,  15,  33;  1  Cor.  vii.  14. 

V.  n  Luke  vii.  30.  But  the  Pharisees  and  lawyers  rejected  the  counsel 


124 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap,  xxviii. 


annexed  unto  it,  as  that  no  person  can  be  regenerated  or 
saved  without  it,0  or  that  all  that  are  baptized  are  undoubt¬ 
edly  regenerated.  P 

VI.  The  efficacy  of  Baptism  is  not  tied  to  that  moment 
of  time  wdierein  it  is  administered  ;Q  yet,  notwithstanding, 
by  the  right  use  of  this  ordinance  the  grace  promised  is 
not  only  offered,  but  really  exhibited  and  conferred  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  to  such  (whether  of  age  or  infants)  as  that 
grace  belongeth  unto,  according  to  the  counsel  of  God’s 
owTn  will,  in  his  appointed  time.7* 

VII.  The  Sacrament  of  Baptism  is  but  once  to  be  admin¬ 
istered  to  any  person. s 

of  God  against  themselves,  being  not  baptized  of  him.  Ex.  iv.  24-26. 
And  it  came  to  pass  by  the  way  in  the  inn,  that  the  Lord  met  him, 
and  sought  to  kill  him.  Then  Zipporah  took  a  sharp  stone,  and  cut 
off  the  foreskin  of  her  son,  and  cast  it  at  his  feet,  and  said,  Surely  a 
bloody  husband  art  thou  to  me.  So  he  let  him  go :  then  she  said,  A 
bloody  husband  thou  art,  because  of  the  circumcision.  Deut.  xxviii. 
9.  The  Lord  shall  establish  thee  a  holy  people  unto  himself,  as  he 
hath  sworn  unto  thee,  if  thou  shalt  keep  the  commandments  of  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  walk  in  his  ways. 

°Rom.  iv.  11.  And  he  received  the  sign  of  circumcision,  a  seal  of 
the  righteousness  of  the  faith  which  he  had  yet  being  uncircumcised : 
that  he  might  be  the  father  of  all  them  that  believe,  though  they  be 
not  circumcised;  that  righteousness  might  be  imputed  unto  them 
also.  See  Acts  x.  2,  4,  22,  31,  45,  47. 

*>Acts  viii.  13,  23.  Then  Simon  himself  believed  also:  and  when  he 
was  baptized,  he  continued  with  Philip,  and  wondered,  beholding  the 
miracles  and  signs  which  wrere  done.— For  I  perceive  that  thou  art  in 
the  gall  of  bitterness,  and  in  the  bond  of  iniquity. 

VI.  9  John  iii.  5,  8.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be 
born  of  water,  and  of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God.— The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and  thou  hearest  the  sound 
thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence  it  cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth  :  so 
is  every  one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit. 

rGal.  iii.  27.  For  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized  into  Christ 
have  put  on  Christ.  Eph.  v.  25,  26.  Christ  also  loved  the  church,  and 
gave  himself  for  it;  That  he  might  sanctify  and  cleanse  it  with  the 
washing  of  water  by  the  word.  See  Acts  ii.  38,  41. 

VII.  «Tit.  iii.  5.  Not  by  works  of  righteousness  which  we  have  done, 
but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regener¬ 
ation,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 


SECT.  II.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


125 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

OF  THE  LORD’S  SUPPER. 

I.  Our  Lord  Jesus,  in  the  night  wherein  he  was  betrayed, 
instituted  the  Sacrament  of  his  body  and  blood,  called  the 
Lord’s  Supper,  to  be  observed  in  his  Church  unto  the  end 
of  the  world,  for  the  perpetual  remembrance  of  the  sacri¬ 
fice  of  himself  in  his  death,  the  sealing  all  benefits  there¬ 
of  unto  true  believers,  their  spiritual  nourishment  and 
growth  in  him,  their  further  engagement  in,  and  to  all 
duties  which  they  owe  unto  him ;  and  to  be  a  bond  and 
pledge  of  their  communion  with  him,  and  with  each  other, 
as  members  of  his  mystical  body.a 

II.  In  this  Sacrament  Christ  is  not  offered  up  to  his 
Father,  nor  any  real  sacrifice  made  at  all  for  remission  of 
sins  of  the  quick  or  dead ; b  but  only  a  commemoration  of 


I.  «1  Cor.  xi.  23-26.  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which 
also  I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in 
which  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread :  And  when  he  had  given  thanks, 
he  brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body,  which  is  broken  for 
you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  After  the  same  manner  also  he 
took  the  cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testa¬ 
ment  in  my  blood :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it ,  in  remembrance 
of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do 
show  the  Lord’s  death  till  he  come.  1  Cor.  x.  16, 17,  21.  The  cup  of 
blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of 
Christ?  The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the 
body  of  Christ  ?  For  we  being  many  are  one  bread,  and  one  body : 
for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one  bread.— Ye  cannot  drink  the  cup 
of  the  Lord,  and  the  cup  of  devils :  ye  cannot  be  partakers  of  the 
Lord’s  table,  and  of  the  table  of  devils.  1  Cor.  xii.  13.  For  by  one 
Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one  body,  whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gen¬ 
tiles,  whether  we  be  bond  or  free ;  and  have  been  all  made  to  drink 
into  one  Spirit. 

II.  bHeb.  ix.  22,  25,26,  28.  And  almost  all  things  are  by  the  law 
purged  with  blood ;  and  without  shedding  of  blood  is  no  remission. — 
Nor  yet  that  he  should  offer  himself  often,  as  the  high  priest  entereth 
into  the  holy  place  every  year  with  blood  of  others  ;  For  then  must 
he  often  have  suffered  since  the  foundation  of  the  world :  but  now 
once  in  the  end  of  the  world  hath  he  appeared  to  put  away  sin  by  the 
sacrifice  of  himself.— So  Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of 


126 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  xxix. 


that  once  offering  up  of  himself,  by  himself,  upon  the  cross, 
once  for  all ;  and  a  spiritual  oblation  of  all  possible  praise 
unto  God  for  the  same : c  so  that  the  Popish  sacrifice  of 
the  mass,  as  they  call  it,  is  most  abominably  injurious  to 
Christ’s  one  only  sacrifice,  the  alone  propitiation  for  all 
the  sins  of  the  elects 

III.  The  Lord  Jesus  hath,  in  this  ordinance,  appointed 
his  ministers  to  declare  his  word  of  institution  to  the  peo 
pie,  to  pray,  and  bless  the  elements  of  bread  and  wine,  and 
thereby  to  set  them  apart  from  a  common  to  an  holy  use : 
and  to  take  and  break  the  bread,  to  take  the  cup,  and  (they 
communicating  also  themselves)  to  give  both  to  the  com¬ 
municants  ; e  but  to  none  who  are  not  then  present  in  the 
congregation./ 


many ;  and  unto  them  that  look  for  him  shall  he  appear  the  second 
time  without  sin  unto  salvation. 

cMatt.  xxvi.  26,  27.  And  as  they  were  eating,  Jesus  took  bread,  and 
blessed  it,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the  disciples,  and  said,  Take, 
eat ;  this  is  my  body.  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and 
gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it.  Luke  xxii.  19,  20.  And  he 
took  bread,  and  gave  thanks,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  unto  them,  say¬ 
ing,  This  is  my  body  which  is  given  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance 
of  me.  Likewise  also  the  cup  after  supper,  saying,  This  cup  is  the 
new  testament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  vou.  See  1  Cor.  xi. 
24-26. 

d  Heb.  vii.  23,  24,  27.  And  they  truly  were  many  priests,  because 
they  were  not  suffered  to  continue  by  reason  of  death  :  But  this  man, 
because  lie  continueth  ever,  hath  an  unchangeable  priesthood.— Who 
needeth  not  daily,  as  those  high  priests,  to  offer  up  sacrifice,  first  for 
his  own  sins,  and  then  for  the  people’s  :  for  this  he  did  once,  when  he 
offered  up  himself.  Heb.  x.  11,  12,  14,  18.  And  every  priest  standeth 
daily  ministering  and  offering  oftentimes  the  same  sacrifices,  which 
can  never  take  away  sins :  But  this  man,  after  he  had  offered  one  sac¬ 
rifice  for  sins  for  ever,  sat  down  on  the  right  hand  of  Go‘d.— For  by  one 
offering  he  hath  perfected  for  ever  them  that  are  sanctified.— Now, 
where  remission  of  these  is,  there  is  no  more  offering  for  sin. 

III.  ‘See  the  institution.  Matt.  xxvi.  26-28;  Mark  xiv.  22-24;  Luke 
xxii.  19,  20;  1  Cor.  xi.  23-27. 

/Acts  xx.  7.  And  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when  the  disciples 
came  together  to  break  bread,  Paul  preached  unto  them,  ready  to  de¬ 
part  on  the  morrow  ;  and  continued  his  speech  until  midnight.  1  Cor. 
xi.  20.  When  ye  come  together  therefore  into  one  place,  this  is  not  to 
eat  the  Lord’s  supper. 


sect,  vi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


127 


IV.  Private  masses,  or  receiving  this  Sacrament  by  a 
priest,  or  any  other,  alone  \9  as  likewise  the  denial  of  the 
cup  to  the  people  ;  h  worshiping  the  elements ;  the  lifting 
them  up,  or  carrying  them  about  for  adoration,  and  the 
reserving  them  for  any  pretended  religious  use ;  are  all 
contrary  to  the  nature  of  this  Sacrament,  and  to  the  insti¬ 
tution  of  Christ.* 

V.  The  outward  elements  in  this  Sacrament,  duly  set 
apart  to  the  uses  ordained  by  Christ,  have  such  relation  to 
him  crucified,  as  that  truly,  yet  sacramentally  only,  they 
are  sometimes  called  by  the  name  of  the  things  they  rep¬ 
resent,  to  wit,  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ ; k  albeit,  in 
substance  and  nature,  they  still  remain  truly,  and  only, 
bread  and  wine,  as  they  were  before.* 

VI.  That  doctrine  which  maintains  a  change  of  the  sub- 


IV.  9 1  Tim.  i.  3,  4.  As  I  besought  thee  to  abide  still  at  Ephesus, 
when  I  went  into  Macedonia,  that  thou  mightest  charge  some  that 
they  teach  no  other  doctrine,  Neither  give  heed  to  fables  and  end¬ 
less  genealogies,  which  minister  questions,  rather  than  godly  edify¬ 
ing  which  is  in  faith :  so  do. 

h  1  Cor.  xi.  25-29.  After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when 
he  had  supped,  saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood : 
this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often 
as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death 
till  he  come.  Wherefore  whosoever  shall  eat  this  bread,  and  drink 
this  cup  of  the  Lord,  unworthily,  shall  be  guilty  of  the  body  and 
blood  of  the  Lord.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him 
eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup.  For  he  that  eateth  and 
drinketh  unworthily,  eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  to  himself,  not 
discerning  the  Lord’s  body. 

» Matt.  xv.  9.  But  in  vain  they  do  worship  me,  teaching  for  doc¬ 
trines  the  commandments  of  men. 

V.  *  Matt.  xxvi.  26-28.  And  as  they  were  eating,  Jesus  took  bread, 
and  blessed  it,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the  disciples,  and  said, 
Take,  eat;  this  is  my  body.  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks, 
and  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it;  For  this  is  my  blood 
of  the  new  testament,  which  is  shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of 
sins. 

ll  Cor.  xi.  26-28.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this 
cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death  till  he  come.  Wherefore  whosoever 
shall  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup  of  the  Lord,  unworthily,  shall 
be  guilty  of  the  body  and  blood  of  the  Lord.  But  let  a  man  examine 
himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup. 


128 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap.  xxix. 


stance  of  bread  and  wine,  into  the  substance  of  Christ’s 
body  and  blood  (commonly  called  transubstantiation)  by 
consecration  of  a  priest,  or  by  any  other  way,  is  repugnant, 
not  to  Scripture  alone,  but  even  to  common  sense  and  rea¬ 
son  ;  overthroweth  the  nature  of  the  Sacrament;  and  hath 
been,  and  is  the  cause  of  manifold  superstitions,  yea,  of 
gross  idolatries.771 

VII.  Worthy  receivers,  outwardly  partaking  of  the  visi¬ 
ble  elements  in  this  Sacrament,71  do  then  also  inwardly  by 
faith,  really  and  indeed,  yet  not  carnally  and  corporally, 
but  spiritually,  receive  and  feed  upon  Christ  crucified, 
and  all  benefits  of  his  death :  the  body  and  blood  of 
Christ  being  then  not  corporally  or  carnally  in,  with, 
or  under  the  bread  and  wine ;  yet  as  really,  but  spirit¬ 
ually,  present  to  the  faith  of  believers  in  that  ordi¬ 
nance,  as  the  elements  themselves  are  to  their  outward 
senses.0 

VIII.  Although  ignorant  and  wicked  men  receive  the 
outward  elements  in  this  Sacrament,  yet  they  receive  not 
the  thing  signified  thereby  ;  but  by  their  unworthy  coming 
thereunto  are  guilty  of  the  body  and  blood  of  the  Lord, 
to  their  own  damnation.  Wherefore  all  ignorant  and  un¬ 
godly  persons,  as  they  are  unfit  to  enjoy  communion  with 
him,  so  are  they  unwTortliy  of  the  Lord’s  Table,  and  cannot, 

•  without  great  sin  against  Christ,  while  they  remain  such, 


VI.  m  Acts  iii.  21.  Whom  the  heaven  must  receive  until  the  times 
of  restitution  of  all  things,  which  God  hath-spoken  by  the  mouth  of 
all  his  holy  prophets  since  the  world  began.  1  Cor.  xi.  24-26.  This 
do  in  remembrance  of  me. — This  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remem¬ 
brance  of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup, 
ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death  till  he  come.  Luke  xxiv.  6,  39.  He  is 
not  here,  but  is  risen :  remember  how  he  spake  unto  you  when  he 
was  yet  in  Galilee. — Behold  my  hands  and  my  feet,  that  it  is  I  myself: 
handle  me,  and  see ;  for  a  spirit  hath  not  flesh  and  bones,  as  ye  see 
me  have. 

VII.  n  1  Cor.  xi.  28.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him 
eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup. 

0 1  Cor.  x.  16.  The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  com¬ 
munion  of  the  blood  of  Christ?  The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not 
the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ  ?  See  1  Cor.  x.  3,  4. 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


129 


partake  of  these  holy  mysteries,  P  or  be  admitted  there 
unto. ^ 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

OF  CHURCH  CENSURES. 

I.  The  Lord  Jesus,  as  king  and  head  of  his  Church, 
hath  therein  appointed  a  government  in  the  hand  of 
church-officers,  distinct  from  the  civil  magistrate^ 


VIII.  p  1  Cor.  xi.  27,  29.  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall  eat  this  bread, 
and  drink  this  cup  of  the  Lord,  unworthily,  shall  be  guilty  of  the 
body  and  blood  of  the  Lord.— For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unwor¬ 
thily,  eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  [judgment]  to  himself,  not  dis¬ 
cerning  the  Lord’s  body.  2  Cor  vi.  14-16.  Be  ye  not  unequally  yoked 
together  with  unbelievers :  for  what  fellowship  hath  righteousness 
with  unrighteousness  ?  and  what  communion  hath  light  with  dark¬ 
ness?  And  what  concord  hath  Christ  with  Belial?  or  what  part  hath 
he  that  believeth  with  an  infidel?  And  wrhat  agreement  hath  the 
temple  of  God  with  idols  ?  for  ye  are  the  temple  of  the  living  God  ;  as 
God  hath  said,  I  will  dwell  in  them,  and  walk  in  them ;  and  I  will  be 
their  God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people.  1  Cor.  x.  21.  Ye  cannot 
drink  the  cup  of  the  Lord,  and  the  cup  of  devils  :  ye  cannot  be  par¬ 
takers  of  the  Lord’s  table,  and  of  the  table  of  devils. 

?  1  Cor.  v.  6,  7, 13.  Your  glorying  is  not  good.  Know  ye  not  that  a 
little  leaven  leaveneth  the  w’hole  lump?  Purge  out  therefore  the  old 
leaven,  that  ye  may  be  a  new  lump,  as  ye  are  unleavened.  For  even 
Christ  our  passover  is  sacrificed  for  us.— But  them  that  are  without 
God  judgeth.  Therefore  put  away  from  among  yourselves  that  wicked 
person.  2  Thess.  iii.  6,  14,  15.  Now  we  command  you,  brethren,  in  the 
name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  withdraw  yourselves  from 
every  brother  that  walketh  disorderly,  and  not  after  the  tradition 
which  he  received  of  us.— And  if  any  man  obey  not  our  word  by  this 
epistle,  note  that  man,  and  have  no  company  with  him,  that  he  may 
be  ashamed.  Yet  count  him  not  as  an  enemy,  but  admonish  him  as  a 
brother.  Matt.  vii.  6.  Give  not  that  which  is  holy  unto  the  dogs, 
neither  cast  ye  your  pearls  before  swine,  lest  they  trample  them 
under  their  feet,  and  turn  again  and  rend  you. 

I.  aIsa.  ix.  6,  7.  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a  son  is  given : 
and  the  government  shall  be  upon  his  shoulder :  and  his  name  shall 
be  called  Wonderful,  Counselor,  The  mighty  God,  The  everlasting  Fa¬ 
ther,  The  Prince  of  Peace.  Of  the  increase  of  his  government  and 
peace  there  shall  be  no  end,  upon  the  throne  of  David,  and  upon  his 
kingdom,  to  order  it,  and  to  establish  it  with  judgment  and  with  jus- 

9 


130 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  (chap.  xxx. 


II.  To  these  officers  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
are  committed,  by  virtue  whereof  they  have  power  respect¬ 
ively  to  retain  and  remit  sins,  to  shut  that  kingdom  against 
the  impenitent,  both  by  the  word  and  censures;  and  to 
open  it  unto  penitent  sinners,  by  the  ministry  of  the  gos¬ 
pel,  and  by  absolution  from  censures,  as  occasion  shall  re- 
quire.k 

III.  Church  censures  are  necessary  for  the  reclaiming 
and  gaining  of  offending  brethren ;  for  deterring  of  others 
from  like  offences ;  for  purging  out  of  that  leaven  which 
might  infect  the  whole  lump ;  for  vindicating  the  honor 
of  Christ,  and  the  holy  profession  of  the  gospel ;  and  for 
preventing  the  wrath  of  God,  which  might  justly  fall  upon 


tice  from  henceforth  even  for  ever.  The  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  will 
perform  this.  1  Tim.  v.  17.  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well  be  counted 
worthy  of  double  honor,  especially  they  who  labor  in  the  wrord  and 
doctrine.  1  Thess.  v.  12.  And  we  beseech  you,  brethren,  to  know 
them  which  labor  among  you,  and  are  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  acl 
monish  you.  Acts  xx.  17,  28.  And  from  Miletus  he  sent  to  Ephesu:?, 
and  called  the  elders  of  the  church.— Take  heed  therefore  unto  your¬ 
selves,  and  to  all  the  flock,  over  the  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hatli 
made  you  overseers,  to  feed  the  church  of  God,  which  he  hath  pur¬ 
chased  with  his  own  blood.  1  Cor.  xii.  28.  And  God  hath  set  some 
in  the  church,  first  apostles,  secondarily  prophets,  thirdly  teachers, 
after  that  miracles,  then  gifts  of  healings,  helps,  governments,  diver¬ 
sities  of  tongues.  See  John  xviii.  36. 

II. b  Matt.  xvi.  19.  And  I  will  give  unto  thee  the  keys  of  the  king¬ 
dom  of  heaven:  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind  on  earth  shall  be 
bound  in  heaven ;  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on  earth  shall  be 
loosed  in  heaven.  Matt,  xviii.  17, 18.  And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear 
them,  tell  it  unto  the  church  :  but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the  church, 
let  him  be  unto  thee  as  an  heathen  man  and  a  publican.  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  Whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in 
heaven ;  and  whatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on  earth  shall  be  loosed  in 
heaven.  John  xx.  21-23.  Then  said  Jesus  to  them  again,  Peace  be 
unto  you  :  as  my  Father  hath  sent  me,  even  so  send  I  you.  And  when 
he  had  said  this,  he  breathed  on  them,  and  saith  unto  them,  Receive 
ye  the  Holy  Ghost:  Whosesoever  sins  ye  remit,  they  are  remitted 
unto  them  ;  and  whosesoever  sins  ye  retain,  they  are  retained.  2  Cor. 
ii.  6-8.  Sufficient  to  such  a  man  is  this  punishment,  which  was  inflicted 
of  many.  So  that  contrariwise  ye  ought  rather  to  forgive  him .  and 
comfort  him,  lest  perhaps  such  a  one  should  be  swallowed  up  with 
overmuch  sorrow.  Wherefore  I  beseech  you  that  ye  would  confirm 
your  love  toward  him. 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


131 


the  Church,  if  they  should  suffer  his  covenant,  and  the 
seals  thereof,  to  be  profaned  by  notorious  and  obstinate 
offenders.0 

IV.  For  the  better  attaining  of  these  ends,  the  officers 
of  the  Church  are  to  proceed  by  admonition,  suspension 
from  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Supper  for  a  season,  and 
by  excommunication  from  the  Church,  according  to  the 
nature  of  the  crime,  and  demerit  of  the  person. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

OF  SYNODS  AND  COUNCILS. 

I.  For  the  better  government  and  further  edification  of 
the  Church,  there  ought  to  be  such  assemblies  as  are  com¬ 
monly  called  synods  or  councils :  a  and  it  belongeth  to  the 

III.  cSee  1  Cor.  y.  1  Tim.  v.  20.  Them  that  sin  rebuke  before  all, 
that  others  also  may  fear.  1  Tim.  i.  20.  Of  whom  is  Hymeneus  and 
Alexander :  whom  I  have  delivered  unto  Satan,  that  they  may  learn 
not  to  blaspheme.  Jude  23.  And  others  save  with  fear,  pulling  them 
out  of  the  fire ;  hating  even  the  garment  spotted  by  the  flesh.  See 
1  Cor.  xi.  27-34. 

IV.  dMatt.  xviii.  17.  And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it 
unto  the  church :  but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be 
unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican.  1  Thess.  v.  12.  And  we 
beseech  you,  brethren,  to  know  them  which  labor  among  you,  and 
are  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  admonish  you.  2  Thess.  iii.  6,  14,  15. 
Now  we  command  you,  brethren,  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  ye  withdraw  yourselves  from  every  brother  that  walketh 
disorderly,  and  not  after  the  tradition  which  he  received  of  us.— And 
if  any  man  obey  not  our  word  by  this  epistle,  note  that  man,  and 
have  no  company  with  him,  that  he  may  be  ashamed.  Yet  count 
him  not  as  an  enemy,  but  admonish  him  as  a  brother.  1  Cor.  v.  4,  5, 
13.  In  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  when  ye  are  gathered  to¬ 
gether,  and  my  spirit,  with  the  power  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  To 
deliver  such  a  one  unto  Satan  for  the  destruction  of  the  flesh,  that 
the  spirit  may  be  saved  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus.— Therefore  put 
away  from  among  yourselves  that  wicked  person.  See  Tit.  iii.  10. 

1 .  “Acts  xv.  2,  4,  6.  When  therefore  Paul  and  Barnabas  had  no  small 
dissension  and  disputation  with  them,  they  determined  that  Paul  and 
Barnabas,  and  certain  other  of  them,  should  go  up  to  Jerusalem  unto 
the  apostles  and  elders  about  this  question.— And  when  they  were 


132 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap,  xxxl 


overseers  and  other  rulers  of  the  particular  churches,  by 
virtue  of  their  office,  and  the  power  which  Christ  hath 
given  them  for  edification  and  not  for  destruction,  to  ap¬ 
point  such  assemblies ; b  and  to  convene  together  in  them, 
as  often  as  they  shall  judge  it  expedient  for  the  good  of 
the  Church.6 

II.  It  belongetli  to  synods  and  councils,  ministerially,  to 
determine  controversies  of  faith,  and  cases  of  conscience  ; 
to  set  down  rules  and  directions  for  the  better  ordering  of 
the  public  worship  of  God,  and  government  of  his  Church  ; 
to  receive  complaints  in  cases  of  mal-administration,  and 
authoritatively  to  determine  the  same :  which  decrees  and 
determinations,  if  consonant  to  the  Word  of  God,  are  to 
be  received  with  reverence  and  submission,  not  only  for 
their  agreement  with  the  Word,  but  also  for  the  power 
whereby  they  are  made,  as  being  an  ordinance  of  God, 
appointed  thereunto  in  his  Word.d 

III.  All  synods  or  councils  since  the  apostles’  times, 
whether  general  or  particular,  may  err,  and  many  have 
erred  ;  therefore  they  are  not  to  be  made  the  rule  of  faith 
or  practice,  but  to  be  used  as  a  help  in  both.6 

IV.  Synods  and  councils  are  to  handle  or  conclude 
nothing,  but  that  which  is  ecclesiastical :  and  are  not  to 


come  to  Jerusalem,  they  were  received  of  the  church,  and  of  the  apos¬ 
tles  and  elders,  and  they  declared  all  things  that  God  had  done  with 
them.— And  the  apostles  and  elders  came  together  for  to  consider  of 
this  matter.  See  Rev.  ii.  1-6 ;  Acts  xx.  17,  28. 

b  See  Acts  xv. 

cActs  xx.  17.  And  from  Miletus  he  sent  to  Ephesus  and  called  the 
elders  of  the  church.  See  Acts  xv. 

II.  d  Acts  xvi.  4.  And  as  they  went  through  the  cities,  they  delivered 
them  the  decrees  for  to  keep,  that  were  ordained  of  the  apostles  and 
elders  which  were  at  Jerusalem.  See  Acts  xv.  15, 19,  24,  27-31 ;  Matt, 
xviii.  17-19,  29. 

III.  «Acts  xvii.  11.  These  were  more  noble  than  those  in  Thessa- 
lonica,  in  that  they  received  the  word  with  all  readiness  of  mind,  and 
searched  the  Scriptures  daily,  whether  those  things  were  so.  1  Cor. 
ii.  5.  That  vour  faith  should  not  stand  in  the  wisdom  of  men,  but  in 
the  power  of  God.  2  Cor.  i.  24.  Not  for  that  we  have  dominion  over 
your  faith,  but  are  helpers  of  your  joy :  for  by  faith  ye  stand.  See 
Eph.  ii.  20. 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


133 


intermeddle  with  civil  affairs  which  concern  the  com¬ 
monwealth,  unless  by  way  of  humble  petition  in  cases 
extraordinary;  or  by  way  of  advice  for  satisfaction  of 
conscience,  if  they  be  thereunto  required  by  the  civil 
magistrate./ 


CHAPTER  XXXir. 

OF  THE  STATE  OF  MAN  AFTER  DEATH,  AND  OF  THE 
RESURRECTION  OF  THE  DEAD. 

I.  The  bodies  of  men,  after  death,  return  to  dust,  and  see 
corruption  ;  a  but  their  souls  (which  neither  die  nor  sleep), 
having  an  immortal  subsistence,  immediately  return  to 
God  who  gave  them/  The  souls  of  the  righteous,  being 
then  made  perfect  in  holiness,  are  received  into  the  high¬ 
est  heavens,  where  they  behold  the  face  of  God  in  light 
and  glory,  waiting  for  the  full  redemption  of  their  bodies  :  c 

IV. /Luke  xii.  13,  14.  And  one  of  the  company  said  unto  him, 
Master,  speak  to  my  brother,  that  he  divide  the  inheritance  with  me. 
And  he  said  unto  him,  Man,  who  made  me  a  judge  or  a  divider  over 
you?  John  xviii.  36.  Jesus  answered,  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this 
world:  if  my  kingdom  were  of  this  world,  then  would  my  servants 
fight,  that  I  should  not  be  delivered  to  the  Jews :  but  now  is  my 
kingdom  not  from  hence.  Matt.  xxii.  21.  Then  saith  he  unto  them, 
Render  therefore  unto  Cesar  the  things  which  are  Cesar’s  ;  and  unto 
God  the  things  that  are  God’s. 

I.  «Gen.  iii.  19.  In  the  sweat  of  thy  face  shalt  thou  eat  bread,  till 
thou  return  unto  the  ground  ;  for  out  of  it  wast  thou  taken :  for  dust 
thou  art,  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou  return.  Acts  xiii.  36.  For  David, 
after  he  had  served  his  own  generation  by  the  will  of  God,  fell  on 
sleep,  and  was  laid  unto  his  fathers,  and  saw  corruption. 

b  Luke  xxiii.  43.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Verily  I  say  unto  thee, 
To  day  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  paradise.  Eccl.  xii.  7.  Then  shall 
the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was  :  and  the  spirit  shall  return  unto 
God  who  gave  it. 

cRev.  vii.  4,  15.  And  I  heard  the  number  of  them  which  were 
sealed :  and  there  were  sealed  a  hundred  and  forty  and  four  thousand 
of  all  the  tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel.— Therefore  are  they  before 
the  throne  of  God,  and  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple:  and 
he  that  sitteth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among  them.  2  Cor.  v.  1,  8. 
For  we  know  that,  if  our  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  were  dis- 


134 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chap,  xxxii. 


and  the  souls  of  the  wicked  are  cast  into  hell,  where  they 
remain  in  torments  and  utter  darkness,  reserved  to  the 
judgment  of  the  great  day.d  Besides  these  two  places 
for  souls  separated  from  their  bodies,  the  Scripture  ac¬ 
knowledged  none. 

II.  At  the  last  day,  such  as  are  found  alive  shall  not  die, 
but  be  changed : e  and  all  the  dead  shall  be  raised  up  with 
the  self-same  bodies,  and  none  other,  although  with  differ¬ 
ent  qualities,  which  shall  be  united  again  to  their  souls 
for  ever./ 

III.  The  bodies  of  the  unjust  shall,  by  the  power  of 
Christ,  be  raised  to  dishonor ;  the  bodies  of  the  just,  by 
his  Spirit,  unto  honor,  and  be  made  conformable  to  his 
own  glorious  body.  0 


solved,  we  have  a  building  of  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands, 
eternal  in  the  heavens.— We  are  confident,  I  say,  and  willing  rather 
to  be  absent  from  the  body,  and  to  be  present  with  the  Lord.  Phil.  i. 
23.  For  I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt  two,  having  a  desire  to  depart,  and 
to  be  with  Christ :  which  is  far  better.  Acts  iii.  21.  Whom  the  heaven 
must  receive  until  the  times  of  restitution  of  all  things,  which  God 
hath  spoken  by  the  mouth  of  all  his  holy  prophets  since  the  world 
began.  Eph.  iv.  10.  He  that  descended  is  the  same  also  that  ascend¬ 
ed  up  far  above  all  heavens,  that  he  might  fill  all  things.  Rom.  viii. 
23.  And  not  only  they,  but  ourselves  also,  which  have  the  firstfruits 
of  the  Spirit,  even  we  ourselves  groan  within  ourselves,  waiting  for 
the  adoption,  to  wit,  the  redemption  of  our  body. 

d  Luke  xvi.  23,  24.  And  in  hell  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  being  in  tor¬ 
ments,  and  seeth  Abraham  afar  off,  and  Lazarus  in  his  bosom.  And 
he  cried  and  said,  Father  Abraham,  have  mercy  on  me,  and  send 
Lazarus,  that  he  may  dip  the  tip  of  his  finger  in  water,  and  cool  my 
tongue;  for  I  am  tormented  in  this  flame.  See  Jude  6,  7. 

II.  «1  Thess.  iv.  17.  Then  we  which  are  alive  and  remain  shall  be 
caught  up  together  with  them  in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the 
air :  and  so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord.  1  Cor.  xv.  51,  52.  Behold. 
I  show  you  a  mystery;  We  shall  not  all  sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be 
changed,  In  a  moment,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the  last  trump: 
for  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead  shall  be  raised  incorrupt¬ 
ible,  and  we  shall  be  changed. 

/I  Cor.  xv.  12-14.  So  also  is  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  It  is 
sown  in  corruption,  it  is  raised  in  incorruption:  It  is  sown  in  dis¬ 
honor,  it  is  raised  in  glory :  it  is  sown  in  weakness,  it  is  raised  in 
power:  It  is  sown  a  natural  body,  it  is  raised  a  spiritual  body.  There 
is  a  natural  body,  and  there  is  a  spiritual  body. 

III.  0  Acts  xxiv.  15.  And  have  hope  toward  God,  which  they  them- 


SECT.  I.] 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


135 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

OF  THE  LAST  JUDGMENT. 

I.  God  hath  appointed  a  day,  wherein  he  will  judge  the 
world  in  righteousness  by  Jesus  Christ, a  to  whom  all 
power  and  judgment  is  given  of  the  Father.^  In  which 
day,  not  only  the  apostate  angels  shall  be  judged;0  but 
likewise  all  persons,  that  have  lived  upon  earth,  shall  ap¬ 
pear  before  the  tribunal  of  Christ,  to  give  an  account  of 
their  thoughts,  words,  and  deeds ;  and  to  receive  accord¬ 
ing  to  what  they  have  done  in  the  body,  whether  good  or 
evil.^ 


selves  also  allow,  that  there  shall  be  a  resurrection  of  the  dead,  both 
of  the  just  and  unjust.  John  v.  28,  29.  Marvel  not  at  this :  for  the 
hour  is  coming,  in  the  which  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  his 
voice,  And  shall  come  forth ;  they  that  have  done  good,  unto  the 
resurrection  of  life ;  and  they  that  have  done  evil,  unto  the  resurrec¬ 
tion  of  damnation.  Phil.  iii.  21.  Who  shall  change  our  vile  body, 
that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious  body,  according  to  the 
working  whereby  he  is  able  even  to  subdue  all  things  unto  himself. 

I.  «  Acts  xvii.  31.  Because  he  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the  which  he 
will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness  by  that  man  whom  he  hath  or¬ 
dained  ;  whereof  he  hath  given  assurance  unto  all  men ,  in  that  he 
hath  raised  him  from  the  dead. 

h  John  v.  22,  27.  For  the  Father  judgeth  no  man,  but  hath  commit¬ 
ted  all  judgment  unto  the  Son. — And  hath  given  him  authority  to 
execute  judgment  also,  because  he  is  the  Son  of  man. 

c  Jude  6.  And  the  angels  which  kept  not  their  first  estate,  but  left 
their  own  habitation,  he  hath  reserved  in  everlasting  chains  under 
darkness  unto  the  judgment  of  the  great  day.  2  Pet.  ii.  4.  For  if 
God  spared  not  the  angels  that  sinned,  but  cast  them  down  to  hell,  and 
delivered  them  into  chains  of  darkness,  to  be  reserved  unto  judg¬ 
ment. 

d2  Cor.  v.  10.  For  we  must  all  appear  before  the  judgment  seat  of 
Christ ;  that  every  one  may  receive  the  things  done  in  his  body,  ac¬ 
cording  to  that  he  hath  done,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad.  Eccl.  xii.  14. 
For  God  shall  bring  every  work  into  judgment,  with  every  secret 
thing,  whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be  evil.  Rom.  ii.  16r  In  the 
day  when  God  shall  judge,  the  secrets  of  men  by  Jesus  Christ  accord¬ 
ing  to  my  gospel.  Rom.  xiv.  10, 12.  But  why  dost  thou  judge  thy 
brother?  or  why  dost  thou  set  at  nought  thy  brother?  for  we  shall  all 
stand  before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ. — So  then  every  one  of  us 
shall  give  account  of  himself  to  God.  Matt.  xii.  36,  37.  But  I  say  unto 


136 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH,  [chav,  xxxiil 


II.  The  end  of  God’s  appointing  this  day  is  for  the 
manifestation  of  the  glory  of  his  mercy,  in  the  eternal 
salvation  of  the  elect;6  and  of  his  justice,  in  the  damna¬ 
tion  of  the  reprobate,  who  are  wicked  and  disobedient .J 
For  then  shall  the  righteous  go  into  everlasting  life,  and 
receive  that  fullness  of  joy  and  refreshing  which  shall 
come  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  :  o  but  the  wucked, 
who  know  not  God,  and  obey  not  the  gospel  of  Jesus 
Christ,  shall  be  cast  into  eternal  torments,  and  be  pun¬ 
ished  with  everlasting  destruction  from  the  presence  of 
the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his  power.* 


you,  That  every  idle  word  that  men  shall  speak,  they  shall  give  ac¬ 
count  thereof  in  the  day  of  judgment.  For  by  thy  words  thou  shalt 
be  justified,  and  by  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  condemned. 

II.  « Rom.  ix.  23.  And  that  he  might  make  known  the  riches  of  his 
glory  on  the  vessels  of  mercy,  which  he  had  afore  prepared  unto 
glory.  Matt.  xxv.  21.  His  lord  said  unto  him,  Well  done,  thou  good 
and  faithful  servant ;  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will 
make  thee  ruler  over  many  things :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy 
lord. 

/Rom.  ii.  5,  6.  But,  after  thy  hardness  and  impenitent  heart,  treas- 
urest  up  unto  thyself  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath  and  revelation 
of  the  righteous  judgment  of  God;  Who  will  render  to  every  man 
according  to  his  deeds.  2  Thess.  i.  7,  8.  The  Lord  Jesus  shall  be 
revealed  from  heaven  with  his  mighty  angels,  In  flaming  fire  taking 
vengeance  on  them  that  know  not  God,  and  that  obey  not  the  gospel 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  See  Rom.  ix.  22. 

9  Matt.  xxv.  31-34.  When  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in  his  glory, 
and  all  the  holy  angels  with  him,  then  shall  he  sit  upon  the  throne 
of  his  glory:  And  before  him  shall  be  gathered  all  nations  :  and  he 
shall  separate  them  one  from  another,  as  a  shepherd  divideth  his 
sheep  from  the  goats :  And  he  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his  right  hand, 
but  the  goats  on  the  left.  Then  shall  the  King  say  unto  them  on  his 
right  hand,  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  pre¬ 
pared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.  Acts  iii.  19.  Times 
of  refreshing  shall  come  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. — 2  Thess.  i.  7. 
And  to  you  who  are  troubled  rest  with  us,  when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall 
be  revealed  from  heaven  with  his  mighty  angels. 

h  Matt.  xxv.  41,46.  Then  shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on  the  left 
hand,  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for 
the  devil  and  his  angels.— And  these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting 
punishment,  2  Thess.  i.  9.  Who  shall  be  punished  with  everlasting 
destruction  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his 
power.  Mark  ix.  48.  Where  their  worm  dieth  not,  and  the  fire  is  not 
quenched. 


sect,  hi.]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


137 


III.  As  Christ  would  have  us  to  be  certainly  persuaded 
that  there  shall  be  a  day  of  judgment,  both  to  deter  all 
men  from  sin,  and  for  the  greater  consolation  of  the  godly 
in  their  adversity  : i  so  will  he  have  that  day  unknown  to 
men,  that  they  may  shake  off  all  carnal  security,  and  be 
always  watchful,  because  they  know  not  at  what  hour  the 
Lord  will  come ;  and  may  be  ever  prepared  to  say,  Come, 
Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly. ^  Amen. 

III.  *2  Pet.  iii.  11, 14.  Seeing  then  that  all  these  things  shall  be  dis¬ 
solved,  what  manner  of  persons  ought  ye  to  be  in  all  holy  conversa¬ 
tion  and  godliness.— Wherefore,  beloved,  seeing  that  ye  look  for  such 
things,  be  diligent  that  ye  may  be  found  of  him  in  peace,  without  spot 
and  blameless.  2  Cor.  v.  11.  Knowing  therefore  the  terror  of  the 
Lord,  we  persuade  men ;  but  we  are  made  manifest  unto  God ;  and  I 
trust  also  are  made  manifest  in  your  consciences.  2  Thess.  i.  5-7. 
Which  is  a  manifest  token  of  the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  that  ye 
may  be  counted  worthy  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  for  which  ye  also 
suffer  :  Seeing  it  is  a  righteous  thing  with  God  to  recompense  tribula¬ 
tion  to  them  that  trouble  you  ;  And  to  you  who  are  troubled  rest  with 
us,  when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed  from  heaven  with  his 
mighty  angels.  Luke  xxi.  27,  28.  And  then  shall  they  see  the  Son 
of  man  coming  in  a  cloud  with  power  and  great  glory.  And  when 
these  things  begin  to  come  to  pass,  then  look  up,  and  lift  up  your 
heads  ;  for  your  redemption  draweth  nigh. 

k  Matt.  xxiv.  86,  42-44.  But  of  that  day  and  hour  knoweth  no  man , 
no,  not  the  angels  of  heaven,  but  my  Father  only.— Watch  therefore  ; 
for  ye  know  not  wThat  hour  your  Lord  doth  come.  But  know  this, 
that  if  the  goodman  of  the  house  had  known  in  what  watch  the 
thief  would  come,  he  would  have  watched,  and  would  not  have  suf¬ 
fered  his  house  to  be  broken  up.  Therefore  be  ye  also  ready  :  for  in 
such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not  the  Son  of  man  cometh.  Mark  xiii.  35- 
37.  Watch  ye  therefore :  for  ye  know  not  when  the  master  of  the 
house  cometh,  at  even,  or  at  midnight,  or  at  the  cockcrowing,  or  in 
the  morning :  Lest  coming  suddenly  he  find  you  sleeping.  And  what 
I  say  unto  you  I  say  unto  all,  Watch.  Luke  xii.  35, 36.  Let  your  loins 
be  girded  about,  and  your  lights  burning;  And  ye  yourselves  like  unto 
men  that  wait  for  their  lord,  when  he  will  return  from  the  wedding  ; 
that,  when  he  cometh  and  knocketh,  they  may  open  unto  him  imme¬ 
diately.  Re.v.  xxii.  20.  He  which  testifieth  these  things  saith,  Surely 
I  come  quickly :  Amen.  Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesus. 


138 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH .  [chap,  xxxiv 

PREAMBLE  TO  NEW  CHAPTERS. 

Whereas,  It  is  desirable  to  express  more  fully  the 
doctrine  of  the  Church  concerning  the  Holy  Spirit,  Mis¬ 
sions,  and  the  love  of  God  for  all  men,  the  following 
Chapters  are  added  to  the  Confession  of  Faith  : 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT. 

I.  The  Holy  Spirit,  the  third  person  in  the  Trinity, 
proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the  Son,  of  the  same 
substance  and  equal  in  power  and  glory,  is,  together  with 
the  Father  and  the  Son,  to  be  believed  in,  loved,  obeyed, 
and  worshiped  throughout  all  ages. 

II.  He  is  the  Lord  and  Giver  of  life,  everywhere  present 
in  nature,  and  is  the  source  of  all  good  thoughts,  pure  de¬ 
sires,  and  holy  counsels  in  men.  By  Him  the  Prophets 
were  moved  to  speak  the  Word  of  God,  and  all  writers  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures  inspired  to  record  infallibly  the  mind 
and  will  of  God.  The  dispensation  of  the  Gospel  is 
especially  committed  to  Him.  He  prepares  the  way  for 
it,  accompanies  it  with  Ilis  persuasive  power,  and  urges 
its  message  upon  the  reason  and  conscience  of  men,  so  that 
they  who  reject  its  merciful  offer  are  not  only  without  ex¬ 
cuse,  but  are  also  guilty  of  resisting  the  Holy  Spirit. 

III.  The  Holy  Spirit,  whom  the  Father  is  ever  willing 
to  give  to  all  who  ask  Him,  is  the  only  efficient  agent  in 
the  application  of  redemption.  He  convicts  men  of  sin, 
moves  them  to  repentance,  regenerates  them  by  His  grace, 
and  persuades  and  enables  them  to  embrace  Jesus  Christ 
by  faith.  He  unites  all  believers  to  Christ,  dwells  in 
them  as  their  Comforter  and  Sanctifier,  gives  to  them  the 
spirit  of  Adoption  and  Prayer,  and  performs  all  those 
gracious  offices  by  which  they  are  sanctified  and  sealed 
unto  the  day  of  redemption. 

IV.  Bv  the  indwelling  of  the  Holy  Spirit  all  believers 
being  vitally  united  to  Christ,  who  is  the  Head,  are  thus 


sect.  iv.  ]  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


139 


united  one  to  another  in  the  Church,  which  is  His  body. 
He  calls  and  anoints  ministers  for  their  holy  office,  quali¬ 
fies  all  other  officers  in  the  Church  for  their  special  work, 
and  imparts  various  gifts  and  graces  to  its  members.  He 
gives  efncacy  to  the  Word,  and  to  the  ordinances  of  the 
Gospel.  By  Him  the  Church  will  be  preserved,  increased 
until  it  shall  cover  the  earth,  purified,  and  at  last  made 
perfectly  holy  in  the  presence  of  God. 


CHAPTER  XXXY. 

OF  THE  LOVE  OF  GOD  AND  MISSIONS. 

I.  God,  in  infinite  and  perfect  love,  having  provided  in 
the  covenant  of  grace,  through  the  mediation  and  sacri¬ 
fice  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  a  way  of  life  and  salvation, 
sufficient  for  and  adapted  to  the  whole  lost  race  of  man, 
doth  freely  offer  this  salvation  to  all  men  in  the  Gospel. 

II.  In  the  Gospel  God  declares  His  love  for  the  world 
and  His  desire  that  all  men  should  be  saved,  reveals  fully 
and  clearly  the  only  way  of  salvation  ;  promises  eternal 
life  to  all  who  truly  repent  and  believe  in  Christ  ;  invites 
and  commands  all  to  embrace  the  offered  mercy  ;  and  by 
His  Spirit  accompanying  the  Word  pleads  with  men  to 
accept  His  gracious  invitation. 

III.  It  is  the  duty  and  privilege  of  every  one  who  hears 
the  Gospel  immediately  to  accept  its  merciful  provisions  : 
and  they  who  continue  in  impenitence  and  unbelief  incur 
aggravated  guilt  and  perish  by  their  own  fault. 

IV.  Since  there  is  no  other  way  of  salvation  than  that 
revealed  in  the  Gospel,  and  since  in  the  divinely  estab¬ 
lished  and  ordinary  method  of  grace  faith  cometh  by 
hearing  the  Word  of  God,  Christ  hath  commissioned  His 
Church  to  go  into  all  the  world  and  to  make  disciples  of 
all  nations.  All  believers  are,  therefore,  under  obligation 
to  sustain  the  ordinances  of  religion  where  they  are  al¬ 
ready  established,  and  to  contribute  by  their  prayers,  gifts, 
and  personal  efforts,  to  the  extension  of  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  throughout  the  whole  earth. 


140 


CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 


DECLARATORY  STATEMENT 

While  the  ordination  vow  of  ministers,  ruling  elders, 
and  deacons,  as  set  forth  in  the  Form  of  Government,  re¬ 
quires  the  reception  and  adoption  of  the  Confession  of 
Faith  only  as  containing  the  System  of  Doctrine  taught 
in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  nevertheless,  seeing  that  the  de¬ 
sire  has  been  formally  expressed  for  a  disavowal  by  the 
Church  of  certain  inferences  drawn  from  statements  in 
the  Confession  of  Faith,  and  also  for  a  declaration  of 
certain  aspects  of  revealed  truth  which  appear  at  the 
present  time  to  call  for  more  explicit  statement,  therefore 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America 
does  authoritatively  declare  as  follows  : 

First,  With  reference  to  Chapter  III.  of  the  Confession 
of  Faith  :  that  concerning  those  who  are  saved  in  Christ, 
the  doctrine  of  God’s  eternal  decree  is  held  in  harmony 
with  the  doctrine  of  His  love  to  all  mankind,  His  gift  of  His 
Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world, 
and  His  readiness  to  bestow  His  saving  grace  on  all  who 
seek  it.  That  concerning  those  who  perish,  the  doctrine 
of  God’s  eternal  decree  is  held  in  harmony  with  the  doc¬ 
trine  that  God  desires  not  the  death  of  any  sinner,  but 
has  provided  in  Christ  a  salvation  sufficient  for  all, 
adapted  to  all,  and  freely  offered  in  the  Gospel  to  all ; 
that  men  are  fully  responsible  for  their  treatment  of  God’s 
gracious  offer  ;  that  His  decree  hinders  no  man  from  ac¬ 
cepting  that  offer  ;  and  that  no  man  is  condemned  except 
on  the  ground  of  his  sin. 

Srcond,  With  reference  to  Chapter  X.,  Section  3,  of  the 
Confession  of  Faith,  that  it  is  not  to  be  regarded  as  teach¬ 
ing  that  any  who  die  in  infancy  are  lost.  We  believe  that 
all  dying  in  infancy  are  included  in  the  election  of  grace, 
and  are  regenerated  and  saved  by  Christ  through  the 
Spirit,  who  works  wrhen  and  where  and  how  He  pleases. 


THE 


LARGER  CATECHISM, 

ADOPTED  BY  THE 

SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA, 

IN  1788. 


Q.  1.  What  is  the  chief  and  highest  end  of  man  f 
A.  Man’s  chief  and  highest  end  is  to  glorify  God,a  and 
fully  to  enjoy  him  for  ever.* * * * & 

Q.  2.  How  doth  it  appear  that  there  is  a  God  ? 

A.  The  very  light  of  nature  in  man,  and  the  works  of 
God,  declare  plainly  that  there  is  a  God ; c  but  his  Word 
and  Spirit  only,  do  sufficiently  and  effectually  reveal  him 
unto  men  for  their  salvation.^ 


1.  “Rom.  xi.  36.  For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him,  are  all 

things :  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.  Amen.  1  Cor.  x.  31.  Whether 

therefore  ye  eat,  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of 

God. 

6Psa.  lxxiii.  24-26.  Thou  shalt  guide  me  with  thy  counsel,  and 
afterward  receive  me  to  glory.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  t  and 
there  is  none  upon  earth  that  I  desire  besides  thee.  My  flesh  and  my 
heart  faileth :  but  God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  for 
ever.  John  xvii.  22,  24.  And  the  glory  which  thou  gavest  me  I  have 
given  them;  that  they  may  be  one,  even  as  we  are  one.— Father,  I 
will  that  they  also,  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  be  with  me  where  I 
am  ;  that  they  may  behold  my  glory,  which  thou  hast  given  me. 

2.  c  Rom.  i.  19,  20.  Because  that  which  may  be  known  of  God  is 
manifest  in  them ;  for  God  hath  showed  it  unto  them.  For  the  in¬ 
visible  things  of  him  from  the  creation  of  the  world  are  clearly  seen, 
being  understood  by  the  things  that  are  made,  even  his  eternal  power 
and  Godhead;  so  that  they  are  without  excuse.  See  Psa.  xix.  1-3. 

d  1  Cor.  ii.  9, 10.  But  as  it  is  written,  Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard, 
neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which  God 
hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  him.  But  God  hath  revealed  them 
unto  us  by  his  Spirit:  for  the  Spirit  searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the 
deep  things  of  God.  2  Tim.  iii.  15-17.  And  that  from  a  child  thou 

141 


142 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM . 


Q.  3.  W hat  is  the  Word  of  God  ? 

A.  The  holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament 
are  the  Word  of  Clod,6  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  obedience./ 

Q.  4.  How  doth  it  appear  that  the  Scriptures  are  the  Word 
of  God? 

A.  The  Scriptures  manifest  themselves  to  be  the  Word 
of  God,  by  their  majesty 0  and  purity;71  by  the  consent  of 
all  the  parts,1’  and  the  scope  of  the  whole,  which  is  to  give 


hast  known  the  holy  Scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wiso 
unto  salvation  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  All  Scripture 
is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  re¬ 
proof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness :  That  the  man 
of  God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works. 

3.  e2  Tim.  iii.  16.  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God.  2  Pet. 
i.  19-21.  We  have  also  a  more  sure  word  of  prophecy:  wliereunto 
ye  do  well  that  ye  take  heed,  as  unto  a  light  that  shineth  in  a  dark 
place,  until  the  day  dawn,  and  the  day-star  arise  in  your  hearts: 
Knowing-this  first,  that  no  prophecy  of  the  Scripture  is  of  any  private 
interpretation.  For  the  prophecy  came  not  in  old  time  by  the  will  of 
man :  but  holy  men  of  God  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

/Isa.  viii.  20.  To  the  law^  and  to  the  testimony:  if  they  speak  not 
according  to  this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them.  Luke 
xvi.  29,  31.  They  have  Moses  and  the  prophets ;  let  them  hear  them. 
—If  they  hear  not  Moses  and  the  prophets,  neither  will  they  be  per¬ 
suaded,  though  one  rose  from  the  dead.  Gal.  i.  8,  9.  But  though  we, 
or  an  angel  from  heaven,  preach  any  other  gospel  unto  you  than  that 
which  we  have  preached  unto  you,  let  him  be  accursed.  As  we  said 
before,  so  say  I  now  again,  If  any  man  preach  any  other  gospel  unto 
you  than  that  ye  have  received,  let  him  be  accursed.  See  2  Tim.  iii. 
15-17. 

4.  o  Hos.  viii.  12.  I  have  written  to  him  the  great  things  of  my  law, 
but  they  were  counted  as  a  strange  thing.  1  Cor.  ii.  6,  7.  Howbeit 
we  speak  wisdom  among  them  that  are  perfect :  yet  not  the  wisdom 
of  this  world,  nor  of  the  princes  of  this  wrorld,  that  come  to  nought : 
But  we  speak  the  wisdom  of  God  in  a  mystery,  even  the  hidden  wis¬ 
dom,  which  God  ordained  before  the  world  unto  our  glory.  Psa.  cxix. 
18,  129.  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold  wondrous  things 
out  of  thy  law.— Thy  testimonies  are  wonderful:  therefore  doth  my 
soul  keep  them. 

h  Psa.  xii.  6.  The  words  of  the  Lord  are  pure  words :  as  silver  tried 
in  a  furnace  of  earth,  purified  seven  times.  Psa.  cxix.  140.  Thy 
word  is  very  pure;  therefore  thy  servant  loveth  it. 

‘Luke  xxiv.  27.  And  beginning  at  Moses  and  all  the  prophets,  he 
expounded  unto  them  in  all  the  Scriptures  the  things  concerning 
himself.  Acts  x.  43.  To  him  give  all  the  prophets  witness,  that 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


143 


all  glory  to  God  ; k  by  their  light  and  power  to  convince 
and  convert  sinners,  to  comfort  and  build  up  believers 
unto  salvation :*  1  but  the  Spirit  of  God  bearing  witness 
by  and  with  the  Scriptures  in  the  heart  of  man,  is  alone 
able  fully  to  persuade  it  that  they  are  the  very  Word  of 
God.m 

Q.  5.  What  do  the  Scriptures  principally  teach  ? 

A.  The  Scriptures  principally  teach,  what  man  is  to  be¬ 
lieve  concerning  God,  and  what  duty  God  requires  of  man.71 


through  his  name  whosoever  believeth  in  him  shall  receive  remis¬ 
sion  of  sins.  Acts  xxvi.  22.  Having  therefore  obtained  help  of  God, 
I  continue  unto  this  day,  witnessing  both  to  small  and  great,  saying 
none  other  things  than  those  which  the  prophets  and  Moses  did  say 
should  come. 

*Rom.  xvi.  25-27.  Now  to  him  that  is  of  power  to  stablish  you 
according  to  my  gospel,  and  the  preaching  of  Jesus  Christ,  according 
to  the  revelation  of  the  mystery,  which  was  kept  secret  since  the 
world  began,  But  now  is  made  manifest,  and  by  the  Scriptures  of  the 
prophets,  according  to  the  commandment  of  the  everlasting  God, 
made  known  to  all  nations  for  the  obedience  of  faith  :  To  God  only 
wise,  be  glory  through  Jesus  Christ  for  ever.  Amen.  See  2  Cor.  iii. 
6-11. 

1  Acts  xviii.  28.  For  he  mightily  convinced  the  Jews,  and  that  pub¬ 
licly,  showing  by  the  Scriptures  that  Jesus  was  Christ.  Heb.  iv.  12. 
For  the  word  of  God  is  quick,  and  powerful,  and  sharper  than  any 
twoedged  sword,  piercing  even  to  the  dividing  asunder  of  soul  and 
spirit,  and  of  the  joints  and  marrow,  and  is  a  discerner  of  the  thoughts 
and  intents  of  the  heart.  James  i.  18.  Of  his  own  will  begat  he  us 
with  the  word  of  truth.  Psa.  xix.  7-9.  The  law  of  the  Lord  is  per¬ 
fect,  converting  the  soul :  the  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure,  making 
wise  the  simple.  The  statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right,  rejoicing  the 
heart:  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  is  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes. 
The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring  for  ever:  the  judgments  of 
the  Lord  are  true  and  righteous  altogether.  Rom.  xv.  4.  For  what¬ 
soever  things  were  written  aforetime  were  written  for  our  learning, 
that  we  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  Scriptures  might  have 
hope.  Acts  xx.  32.  And  now,  brethren,  I  commend  you  to  God,  and 
to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which  is  able  to  build  you  up,  and  to  give 
you  an  inheritance  among  all  them  which  are  sanctified. 

m  John  xvi.  13, 14.  Howbeit  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come,  he 
will  guide  you  into  all  truth :— and  he  will  show  you  things  to  come. 
He  shall  glorify  me :  for  he  shall  receive  of  mine,  and  shall  show  it 
unto  you.  See  1  John  ii.  20,  27. 

5.  "John  xx.  31.  But  these  are  written,  that  ye  might  believe  that 
Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God ;  and  that  believing  ye  might  have 


144 


THE  L AUGER  CATECHISM. 


WHAT  MAN  OUGHT  TO  BELIEVE  CONCERNING  GOD. 

Q.  6.  What  do  the  Scriptures  make  known  of  God  ? 

A.  The  Scriptures  make  known  what  God  is,0  the  per¬ 
sons  in  the  Godhead,  P  his  decrees,  Q  and  the  execution  of 
his  decrees/ 

Q.  7.  What  is  God? 

A.  God  is  a  Spirit, s  in  and  of  himself  infinite  in  being,* * 
glory, w  blessedness, w  and  perfection  ; x  all-sufficient, v  eter- 


life  through  his  name.  2  Tim.  i.  13.  Hold  fast  the  form  of  sound 
words,  which  thou  hast  heard  of  me,  in  faith  and  love.  See  2  Tim. 
iii.  15-17. 

6. °  John  iv.  24.  God  is  a  Spirit.  Ex.  xxxiv.  6.  And  the  Lord 
passed  by  before  him,  and  proclaimed,  The  Lord,  The  Lord  God, 
merciful  and  gracious,  longsuffering,  and  abundant  in  goodness  and 
truth. 

pMatt.  iii.  16,  17.  And  Jesus,  when  he  was  baptized,  went  up 
straightway  out  of  the  water:  and,  lo,  the  heavens  w'ere  opened  unto 
him,  and  he  saw  the  Spirit  of  God  descending  like  a  dove,  and  light¬ 
ing  upon  him:  And  lo  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying,  This  is  my  be¬ 
loved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased.  See  Matt,  xxviii.  19;  2  Cor. 
xiii.  14. 

9 Isa.  xlvi.  9,  10.  I  am  God,  and  there  is  none  else;  I  am  God,  and 
there  is  none  like  me,  Declaring  the  end  from  the  beginning,  and  from 
ancient  times  the  things  that  are  not  yet  done,  saying,  My  counsel  shall 
stand,  and  I  will  do  all  my  pleasure. 

r  Acts  iv.  27,  28.  For  of  a  truth  against  thy  holy  child  Jesus,— both 
Ilerod,  and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles,  and  the  people  of  Israel, 
were  gathered  together,  For  to  do  whatsoever  thy  hand  and  thy  coun¬ 
sel  determined  before  to  be  done. 

7.  *  John  iv.  24.  God  is  a  Spirit. 

*Ex.  iii.  14.  And  God  said  unto  Moses,  I  AM  THAT  I  AM :  and  he 
said,  Thus  shalt  thou  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  I  AM  hath  sent  me 
unto  you.  Job  xi.  7-9.  Canst  thou  by  searching  find  out  God?  canst 
thou  find  out  the  Almighty  unto  perfection?  It  is  as  high  as  heaven ; 
what  canst  thou  do?  deeper  than  hell;  what  canst  thou  know?  The 
measure  thereof  is  longer  than  the  earth,  and  broader  than  the  sea. 

“Acts  vii.  2.  The  God  of  glory  appeared  unto  our  father  Abraham 
when  he  was  in  Mesopotamia,  before  he  dwelt  in  Charran. 

w  1  Tim.  vi.  15.  Which  in  his  times  he  shall  show,  who  is  the  blessed 
and  only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords. 

*  Matt.  v.  48.  Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  even  as  your  Father  which  is 
in  heaven  is  perfect. 

vRom.  xi.  35,  36.  Or  who  hath  first  given  to  him,  and  it  shall  be 
recompensed  unto  him  again?  For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to 
him,  are  all  things :  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.  Amen. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


145 


nal/  unchangeable/  incomprehensible,1 b  every  where  pres¬ 
ent,0  almighty/  knowing  all  things,0  most  wise/ most  holy,# 
most  just/  most  merciful  and  gracious,  long-suffering,  and 
abundant  in  goodness  and  truth.* 

Q.  8.  Are  there  more  Gods  than  one  ? 

A.  There  is  but  one  only,  the  living  and  true  God.* 

Q.  9.  How  many  persons  are  there  in  the  Godhead  f 
A.  There  be  three  persons  in  the  Godhead,  the  Father, 
the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost :  and  these  three  are  one 
true,  eternal  God,  the  same  in  substance,  equal  in  power 


*Psa.  xc.  2.  Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever  thou 
hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world,  even  from  everlasting  to  ever¬ 
lasting,  thou  art  God. 

«  Mai.  iii.  6.  For  I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not ;  therefore  ye  sons  of 
Jacob  are  not  consumed.  James  i.  17.  The  Father  of  lights,  with 
whom  is  no  variableness,  neither  shadow  of  turning. 

&Psa.  cxlv.  3.  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praised ;  and  his 
greatness  is  unsearchable. 

cPsa.  cxxxix.  1,  2,  7.  0  Lord,  thou  hast  searched  me,  and  known 
me.  Thou  knowest  my  downsitting  and  mine  uprising ;  thou  under- 
standest  my  thought  afar  off.— Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  Spirit  ?  or 
whither  shall  I  flee  from  thy  presence  ? 

d  Rev.  iv.  8.  And  the  four  beasts  had  each  of  them  six  wings  about 
him;  and  they  were  full  of  eyes  within:  and  they  rest  not  day  and 
night,  saying,  Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  which  was,  and 
is,  and  is  to  come.  See  Gen.  xvii.  1. 

eHeb.  iv.  13.  Neither  is  Irtiere  any  creature  that  is  not  manifest  in 
his  sight :  but  all  things  are  naked  and  opened  unto  the  eyes  of  him 
with  whom  we  have  to  do.  See  Psa.  cxlvii.  5. 

/Rom.  xvi.  27.  To  God  only  wise,  he  glory  through  Jesus  Christ  for 
ever.  Amen. 

o  Isa.  vi.  3.  And  one  cried  unto  another,  and  said,  Holy,  holy,  holy, 
is  the  Lord  of  hosts ;  the  whole  earth  is  full  of  his  glory.  Rev.  xv.  4. 
Who  shall  not  fear  thee,  O  Lord,  and  glorify  thy  name?  for  thou  only 
art  holy. 

ADeut.  xxxii.  4.  He  is  the  Rock,  his  work  is  perfect:  for  all  his 
ways  are  judgment :  a  God  of  truth  and  without  iniquity,  just  and 
right  is  he. 

*  Ex.  xxxiv.  6.  And  the  Lord  passed  by  before  him,  and  proclaimed, 
The  Lord,  The  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious,  longsuffering,  and 
abundant  in  goodness  and  truth. 

8.  *Deut.  vi.  4.  Hear,  O  Israel :  the  Lord  our  God  is  one  Lord.  1  Cor. 
viii.  4.  There  is  none  other  God  but  one.  See  verse  G.  Jer.  x.  10. 
But  the  Lord  is  the  true  God,  he  is  the  living  God,  and  an  everlasting 

King. 


10 


146 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


and  glory ;  although  distinguished  by  their  personal  prop¬ 
erties.* 

Q.  10.  What  are  the  personal  properties  of  the  three  per¬ 
sons  in  the  Godhead? 

A.  It  is  proper  to  the  Father  to  beget  the  Son,771  and  to 
the  Son  to  be  begotten  of  the  Father,71  and  to  the  Holy 
Ghost  to  proceed  from  the  Father  and  the  Son,  from  all 
eternity.0 

Q.  11.  How  doth  it  appear  that  the  Son  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  are  God  equal  with  the  Father  ? 

A.  The  Scriptures  manifest  that  the  Son  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  are  God  equal  with  the  Father,  ascribing  unto  them 
such  names/  attributes, 9 *  works,7*  and  worship/  as  are 
proper  to  God  only. 

9. 1  Matt.  iii.  16,  17.  And  Jesus,  when  he  w’as  baptized,  went  up 
straightway  out  of  the  water :  and,  lo,  the  heavens  were  opened  unto 
him,  and  he  saw  the  Spirit  of  God  descending  like  a  dove,  and  light¬ 
ing  upon  him :  And  lo  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying,  This  is  my  be¬ 
loved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased.  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye 
therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  The 
grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  com¬ 
munion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all.  Amen.  John  x.  30.  I 
and  my  Father  are  one. 

10.  m  Heb.  i.  5,  6.  For  unto  which  of  the  angels  said  he  at  any  time, 
Thou  art  my  Son,  this  day  have  I  begotten  thee?  And  again,  I  will 
be  to  him  a  Father,  and  he  shall  be  to  me  a  Son.  See  Psa.  ii.  6,  7. 

"John  i.  14.  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us, 
(and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Fa¬ 
ther,)  full  of  grace  and  truth. 

0  John  xv.  26.  But  when  the  Comforter  is  come,  whom  I  shall  send 
unto  you  from  the  Father,  even  the  Spirit  of  truth,  which  procedeth 
from  the  Father,  he  shall  testify  of  me.  Gal.  iv.  6.  And  because  ye 
are  sons,  God  hath  sent  forth  the  Spirit  of  his  Son  into  your  hearts, 
crying,  Abba,  Father. 

11.  p  Jer.  xxiii.  6.  And  this  is  his  name  whereby  he  shall  be  called, 
THE  LORD  OUR  RIGHTEOUSNESS.  Isa.  vi.  3,  5,  8.  And  one  cried 
unto  another,  and  said,  Holy,  holy,  holy,  is  the  Lord  of  hosts:  the 
whole  earth  is  full  of  his  glory.— Then  said  I,  Woe  is  me!  for  I  am 
undone;  because  I  am  a  man  of  unclean  lips,  and  I  dwell  in  the 
midst  of  a  people  of  unclean  lips:  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  the  King, 
the  Lord  of  hosts.— Also  I  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  saying,  Whom 
shall  I  send,  and  who  will  go  for  us?  Then  said  I,  Here  am  I ;  send 


*  For  notes  ?,  r,  *,  see  opposite  page. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


147 


Q.  12.  What  are  the  decrees  of  God  f 
A.  God’s  decrees  are  the  wise,  free,  and  holy  acts  of  the 
counsel  of  his  will,*  whereby,  from  all  eternity,  he  hath, 
for  his  own  glory,  unchangeably  fore-ordained  whatsoever 
comes  to  pass  in  time,w  especially  concerning  angels  and 
men. 


me.  John  xii.  41.  These  things  said  Esaias,  when  he  saw  his  glory, 
and  spake  of  him.  Acts  xxviii.  25.  And  when  they  agreed  not 
among  themselves,  they  departed,  after  that  Paul  had  spoken  one 
word,  Well  spake  the  Holy  Ghost  by  Esaias  the  prophet  unto  our 
fathers.  1  John  v.  20.  And  we  are  in  him  that  is  true,  even  in  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ.  This  is  the  true  God,  and  eternal  life.  Psa.  xlv.  6. 
Thy  throne,  O  God,  is  for  ever  and  ever.  Acts  v.  3,  4.  But  Peter  said, 
Ananias,  why  hath  Satan  filled  thine  heart  to  lie  to  the  Holy  Ghost? 
—Thou  hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but  unto  God. 

?  John  i.  1.  In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was  with 
God,  and  the  Word  was  God.  Isa.  ix.  6.  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born, 
unto  us  a  son  is  given  :  and  the  government  shall  be  upon  his  shoul¬ 
der  :  and  his  name  shall  be  called  Wonderful,  Counselor,  The  mighty 
God,  The  everlasting  Father,  The  Prince  of  Peace.  John  ii.  24,  25. 
But  Jesus  did  not  commit  himself  unto  them,  because  he  knew  all 
men ,  And  needed  not  that  any  should  testify  of  man ;  for  he  knew 
what  was  in  man.  1  Cor.  ii.  10, 11.  But  God  hath  revealed  them  unto 
us  by  his  Spirit ;  for  the  Spirit  searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the  deep 
things  of  God.  For  what  man  knoweth  the  things  of  a  man,  save  the 
spirit  of  man  which  is  in  him?  even  so  the  things  of  God  knoweth 
no  man,  but  the  Spirit  of  God. 

rCol.  i.  16.  For  by  him  were  all  things  created,  that  are  in  heaven, 
and  that  are  in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether  they  be  thrones, 
or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers :  all  things  were  created  by 
him,  and  for  him.  Gen.  i.  2.  And  the  earth  was  without  form,  and 
void ;  and  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the  deep.  And  the  Spirit  of 
God  moved  upon  the  face  of  the  waters.  See  John  i.  3. 

8  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all. 
Amen. 

12.  <Isa.  xlv.  6,  7.  I  am  the  Lord,  and  there  is  none  else.  I  form  the 
light,  and  create  darkness :  I  make  peace,  and  create  evil :  I  the  Lord 
do  all  these  things.  Eph.  i.  11.  In  whom  also  we  have  obtained  an 
inheritance,  being  predestinated  according  to  the  purpose  of  him  who 
worketh  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will.  Rom.  xi.  33.  O 
the  depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God ! 
how  unsearchable  are  his  judgments,  and  his  ways  past  finding  out! 

u  Psa.  xxxiii.  11.  The  counsel  of  the  Lord  standeth  for  ever,  the 
thoughts  of  his  heart  to  all  generations.  Eph.  i.  4, 11.  According  as 


148 


THE  LARGER  CA  TECH  ISM. 


Q.  13.  What  hath  God  especially  decreed  concerning 
angels  and  men  ? 

A.  God,  by  an  eternal  and  immutable  decree,  out  of  his 
mere  love,  for  the  praise  of  his  glorious  grace,  to  be  mani¬ 
fested  in  due  time,  hath  elected  some  angels  to  glory  ; w  and 
in  Christ  hath  chosen  some  men  to  eternal  life,  and  the 
means  thereof : x  and  also,  according  to  his  sovereign 
power,  and  the  unsearchable  counsel  of  his  own  will 
(whereby  he  extendeth  or  withholdeth  favor  as  he  pleas- 
eth),  hath  passed  by,  and  fore-ordained  the  rest  to  dis¬ 
honor  and  wrath,  to  be  for  their  sin  inflicted,  to  the  praise 
of  the  glory  of  his  justice.?/ 

he  hath  chosen  us  in  him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we 
should  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him  in  love.— In  whom  also 
we  have  obtained  an  inheritance,  being  predestinated  according  to 
the  purpose  of  him  who  worketh  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his 
own  will.  Rom.  ix.  22,  23.  What  if  God,  willing  to  show  his  wrath, 
and  to  make  his  power  known,  endured  with  much  longsuffering  the 
vessels  of  wrath  fitted  to  destruction:  And  that  he  might  make 
known  the  riches  of  his  glory  on  the  vessels  of  mercy,  which  he  had 
afore  prepared  unto  glory  ? 

13.  w  1  Tim.  v.  21.  I  charge  thee  before  God,  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  the  elect  angels. 

*  Eph.  ii.  10.  For  we  are  his  workmanship,  created  in  Christ  Jesus 
unto  good  works,  which  God  hath  before  ordained  that  we  should 
walk  in  them.  2  Thess.  ii.  13, 14.  But  we  are  bound  to  give  thanks 
alway  to  God  for  you,  brethren  beloved  of  the  Lord,  because  God  hath 
from  the  beginning  chosen  you  to  salvation  through  sanctification 
of  the  Syfirit  and  belief  of  the  truth:  Whereunto  he  called  you  by 
our  gospel,  to  the  obtaining  of  the  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
1  Pet.  i.  2.  Elect  according  to  the  foreknowledge  of  God  the  Father, 
through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  unto  obedience  and  sprinkling  of 
the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ:  Grace  unto  you,  and  peace,  be  multiplied. 

vRom.  ix.  17, 18,  21,  22.  For  the  Scripture  saith  unto  Pharaoh,  Even 
for  this  same  purpose  have  I  raised  thee  up,  that  I  might  show  my 
power  in  thee,  and  that  my  name  might  be  declared  throughout  all 
the  earth.  Therefore  hath  he  mercy  on  whom  he  will  have  mercy , 
and  whom  he  will  he  hardeneth.— Hath  not  the  potter  power  over  the 
clay,  of  the  same  lump  to  make  one  vessel  unto  honor,  and  another 
unto  dishonor?  What  if  God,  willing  to  show  his  wrath  and  to  make 
his  power  known,  endured  with  much  longsuffering  the  vessels  of 
wrath  fitted  to  destruction.  Jude  4.  For  there  are  certain  men  crept 
in  unawares,  who  were  before  of  old  ordained  to  this  condemnation, 
ungodly  men,  turning  the  grace  of  our  God  into  lasciviousness,  and 
denying  the  only  Lord  God,  and  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Matt.  xi.  25, 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


149 


Q.  14.  How  doth  God  execute  his  decrees  f 

A.  God  executeth  his  decrees  in  the  works  of  creation 
and  providence ;  according  to  his  infallible  fore-knowledge, 
and  the  free  and  immutable  counsel  of  his  own  will.2 

Q.  15.  What  is  the  work  of  creation  f 

A.  The  work  of  creation  is  that  wherein  God  did  in  the 
beginning,  by  the  word  of  his  power,  make  of  nothing 
the  world  and  all  things  therein  for  himself,  within  the 
space  of  six  days,  and  all  very  good.a 

Q.  16.  How  did  God  create  angels  f 

A.  God  created  all  the  angels,1 b  spirits,0  immortal, 
holy,e  excelling  in  knowledge,/  mighty  in  power,.0'  to 

26.  At  that  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father, 
Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from 
the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto  babes.  Even  so, 
Father ;  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy  sight.  See  Ezek.  xviii ;  Matt, 
xxv.  41-46. 

14.  z  Dan.  iv.  35.  He  doeth  according  to  his  will  in  the  army  of 
heaven,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth:  and  none  can  stay 
his  hand,  or  say  unto  him,  What  doest  thou?  Eph.  i.  11.  In  whom 
also  we  have  obtained  an  inheritance,  being  predestinated  according 
to  the  purpose  of  him  who  worketh  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his 
own  will.  See  Isa.  xl.  12-31. 

15.  a  See  Gen.  i.  Heb.  xi.  3.  Through  faith  we  understand  that  the 
worlds  were  framed  by  the  word  of  God,  so  that  things  which  are 
seen  were  not  made  of  things  which  do  appear.  Rev.  iv.  11.  Thou 
art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive  glory  and  honor  and  power :  for  thou 
hast  created  all  things,  and  for  thy  pleasure  they  are  and  were 
created.  See  Psa.  xxxiii.  5,  6;  Rom.  xi.  36. 

16.  b  Col.  i.  16.  For  by  him  were  all  things  created,  that  are  in 
heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether  they  be 
thrones,  or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers :  all  things  were 
created  by  him,  and  for  him. 

cMatt.  xxii.  30.  For  in  the  resurrection  they  neither  marry,  nor  are 
given  in  marriage,  but  are  as  the  angels  of  God  in  heaven. 

«*Luke  xx.  36.  Neither  can  they  die  any  more:  for  they  are  equal 
flnto  the  angels. 

«Matt.  xxv.  31.  When  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in  his  glory,  and 
all  the  holy  angels  with  him,  then  shall  he  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his 
glory. 

/Matt.  xxiv.  36.  But  of  that  day  and  hour  knoweth  no  man,  no, 
not  the  angels  of  heaven,  but  my  Father  only.  1  Pet.  i.  12.  Which 
things  the  angels  desire  to  look  into. 

o2  Thess.  i.  7.  And  to  you  who  are  troubled  rest  with  us,  when  the 
Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed  from  heaven  with  his  mighty  angels. 


150 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


execute  his  commandments,  and  to  praise  his  name^  yet 
subject  to  change.1’ 

Q.  17.  How  did  God  create  man? 

A.  After  God  had  made  all  other  creatures,  he  created 
man,  male  and  female ; k  formed  the  body  of  the  man  of 
the  dust  of  the  ground/  and  the  woman  of  the  rib  of 
the  man  ; m  endued  them  with  living,  reasonable,  and 
immortal  souls ;n  made  them  after  his  own  image, w  in 
knowledge,  P  righteousness  and  holiness, having  the 
law  of  God  written  in  their  hearts r  and  power  to  fulfill 


APsa.  xci.  11, 12.  For  he  shall  give  his  angels  charge  over  thee,  to 
keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways.  They  shall  bear  thee  up  in  their  hands, 
lest  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone.  Matt.  xiii.  39.  The  enemy 
that  sowed  them  is  the  devil ;  the  harvest  is  the  end  of  the  world ; 
and  the  reapers  are  the  angels.  Psa.  ciii.  20,  21.  Bless  the  Lord,  ye 
his  angels,  that  excel  in  strength,  that  do  his  commandments,  heark¬ 
ening  unto  the  voice  of  his  word.  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts ; 
yc  ministers  of  his,  that  do  his  pleasure.  See  Isa.  vi.  1-3. 

*2  Pet.  ii.  4.  For  if  God  spared  not  the  angels  that  sinned,  but  cast 
them  down  to  hell,  and  delivered  them  into  chains  of  darkness,  to  be 
reserved  unto  judgment. 

17. *  *Gen.  i.  27.  So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  image 
of  God  created  he  him ;  male  and  female  created  he  them.  Matt.  xix. 
4.  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Have  ye  not  read,  that  he 
which  made  them  at  the  beginning  made  them  male  and  female? 

*Gen.  ii.  7.  And  the  Lord  God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of  the 
ground. 

m  Gen.  ii.  22.  And  the  rib,  which  the  Lord  God  had  taken  from  man, 
made  he  a  woman,  and  brought  her  unto  the  man. 

"Gen.  ii.  7.  And  the  Lord  God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of  the  ground, 
and  breathed  into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life;  and  man  became  a 
living  soul.  Eccl.  xii.  9.  The  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave 
it.  Matt.  x.  28.  And  fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but  are  not 
able  to  kill  the  soul :  but  rather  fear  him  which  is  able  to  destroy 
both  soul  and  body  in  hell. 

°Gen.  i.  26.  And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,  after  our 
likeness:  and  let  them  have  dominion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and 
over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  the  cattle,  and  over  all  the  earth, 
and  over  every  creeping  thing  that  crecpeth  upon  the  earth. 

p  Col.  iii.  10.  And  have  put  on  the  new  man ,  which  is  renewed  in 
knowledge  after  the  image  of  him  that  created  him. 

«Eph.  iv.  24.  And  that  ye  put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is 
created  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 

rRom.  ii.  14, 15.  For  when  the  Gentiles,  which  have  not  the  law, 
do  by  nature  the  things  contained  in  the  law,  these,  having  not  the 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


151 


it,* *  with  dominion  over  the  creatures  f  yet  subject  to 
fall." 

Q,.  18.  What  are  God’s  works  of  providence? 

A.  God’s  works  of  providence  are  his  most  holy,™  wise,x 
and  powerful  preserving,?/  and  governing  all  his  creat¬ 
ures  ; 2  ordering  them,  and  all  their  actions,"  to  his  own 
glory.5 

Q.  19.  What  is  God’s  providence  toward  the  angels  ? 

A.  God  by  his  providence  permitted  some  of  the  angels, 
willfully  and  irrecoverably,  to  fall  into  sin  and  damna¬ 
tion,"  limiting  and  ordering  that,  and  all  their  sins,  to  his 


law,  are  a  law  unto  themselves :  Which  show  the  work  of  the  law 
written  in  their  hearts,  their  conscience  also  bearing  witness,  and 
their  thoughts  the  meanwhile  accusing  or  else  excusing  one  another. 

8  Gen.  iii.  6.  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was  good  for 
food,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired  to 
make  one  wise,  she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat,  and  gave 
also  unto  her  husband  with  her;  and  he  did  eat.  See  Gen.  ii.  17. 

*Gen.  i.  28.  And  God  blessed  them,  and  God  said  unto  them,  Be 
fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  replenish  the  earth,  and  subdue  it:  and 
have  dominion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and 
over  every  living  thing  that  moveth  upon  the  earth.  See  verses  29,  80. 

“See  Gen.  iii.  1-19. 

18.  “'Lev.  xxi.  8.  I  the  Lord,  which  sanctify  you,  am  holy. 

*  Psa.  civ.  24.  O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works !  in  wisdom  hast 
thou  made  them  all.  Isa.  xxviii.  29.  This  also  cometh  forth  from  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  which  is  wonderful  in  counsel,  and  excellent  in  working. 

^Neh.  ix.  6.  Thou,  even  thou,  art  Lord  alone;  thou  hast  made 
heaven,  the  heaven  of  heavens,  with  all  their  host,  the  earth,  and  all 
things  that  are  therein,  the  seas,  and  all  that  is  therein,  and  thou  pre- 
servest  them  all.  Heb.  i.  3.  Who  being  the  brightness  of  his  glory, 
and  the  express  image  of  his  person,  and  upholding  all  things  by  the 
word  of  his  power.  See  Psa.  cxlv.  14-16. 

*Psa.  ciii.  19.  The  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in  the  heavens; 
and  his  kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 

“Matt.  x.  29,  30.  Are  not  two  sparrows  sold  for  a  farthing?  and  one 
Of  them  shall  not  fall  on  the  ground  without  your  Father.  But  the 
very  hairs  of  your  head  are  all  numbered.  Gen.  xlv.  7.  And  God  sent 
me  before  you  to  preserve  you  a  posterity  in  the  earth,  and  to  save 
your  lives  by  a  great  deliverance. 

6Rom.  xi.  36.  For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him,  are  all 
things :  to  whom  he  glory  for  ever.  Amen.  Isa.  lxiii.  14.  So  didst 
thou  lead  thy  people,  to  make  thyself  a  glorious  name. 

19.  c  Jude  6.  And  the  angels  which  kept  not  their  first  estate,  but 
left  their  own  habitation,  he  hath  reserved  in  everlasting  chains 


152 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


own  glory ;  d  and  established  the  rest  in  holiness  and  hap¬ 
piness;6  employing  them  all,/  at  his  pleasure,  in  the  ad¬ 
ministration  of  his  power,  mercy,  and  justice.^ 

Q.  20.  What  was  the  providence  of  God  toward  man  in 
the  estate  in  which  he  ivas  created  ? 

A.  The  providence  of  God  toward  man  in  the  estate  in 
which  he  was  created,  was,  the  placing  him  in  paradise, 
appointing  him  to  dress  it,  giving  him  liberty  to  eat  of 
the  fruit  of  the  earth, ^  putting  the  creatures  under  his 
dominion,1’  and  ordaining  marriage  for  his  help  ;  k  afford¬ 
ing  him  communion  with  himself/  instituting  the  Sab- 

under  darkness  unto  the  judgment  of  the  great  day.  See  2  Pet.  ii.  4  ; 
John  viii.  44. 

dLuke  x.  17.  And  the  seventy  returned  again  with  joy,  saying, 
Lord,  even  the  devils  are  sutyect  unto  us  through  thy  name.  See 
Matt.  viii.  31. 

« 1  Tim.  v.  21.  I  charge  thee  before  God,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  the  elect  angels.  Mark  viii.  38.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  be 
ashamed  of  me  and  of  my  words,  in  this  adulterous  and  sinful  genera¬ 
tion,  of  him  also  shall  the  Son  of  man  be  ashamed,  when  he  cometh  in 
the  glory  of  his  Father  with  the  holy  angels.  Heb.  xii.  22.  But  ye  are 
come  unto  mount  Sion,  and  unto  the  city  of  the  living  God,  the  heav¬ 
enly  Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  company  of  angels. 

/Psa.  ciii.  20.  Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel  in  strength 
that  do  his  commandments,  hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  his  word. 

^Heb.  i.  14.  Are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits,  sent  forth  to  min¬ 
ister  for  them  who  shall  be  heirs  of  salvation  ?  See  2  Kings  xix.  35. 

20.  *Gen.  ii.  15,  16.  And  the  Lord  God  took  the  man,  and  put  him 
into  the  garden  of  Eden  to  dress  it  and  to  keep  it.  And  the  Lord  God 
commanded  the  man,  saying,  Of  every  tree  of  the  garden  thou  mayest 
freely  eat. 

*Gen.  i.  28.  And  God  blessed  them,  and  God  said  unto  them,  Be 
fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  replenish  the  earth,  and  subdue  it :  and 
have  dominion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air, 
and  over  every  living  thing  that  moveth  upon  the  earth. 

*Gen.  ii.  18.  And  the  Lord  God  said,  It  is  not  good  that  the  man 
Should  be  alone ;  I  will  make  him  an  help  meet  for  him.  See  Matt, 
xix.  3-9 ;  Eph.  v.  31. 

*Gen.  i.  26,  28.  And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,  after 
our  likeness :  and  let  them  have  dominion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea, 
and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  the  cattle,  and  over  all  the 
earth,  and  over  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth.— 
And  God  blessed  them,  and  God  said  unto  them,  Be  fruitful,  and 
multiply,  and  replenish  the  earth,  and  subdue  it:  and  have  domin¬ 
ion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over 
every  living  thing  that  moveth  upon  the  earth.  Gen.  iii.  8.  And  - 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


153 


bath,m  entering  into  a  covenant  of  life  with  him,  upon 
condition  of  personal,  perfect,  and  perpetual  obedience,71 
of  which  the  of  tree  of  life  was  a  pledge  ;  0  and  forbidding 
to  eat  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  upon 
the  pain  of  death.  P 

Q.  21.  Did  man  continue  in  that  estate  wherein  God  at 
first  created  him  ? 

A.  Our  first  parents  being  left  to  the  freedom  of  their 
own  will,  through  the  temptation  of  Satan,  transgressed 
the  commandment  of  God,  in  eating  the  forbidden  fruit, 
and  thereby  fell  from  the  estate  of  innocency  wherein 
they  were  created. Q 

Q.  22.  Did  all  mankind  fall  in  that  first  transgression  ? 

A.  The  covenant  being  made  with  Adam,  as  a  public 
person,  not  for  himself  only,  but  for  his  posterity ;  all 

they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God  walking  in  the  garden  in  the 
cool  of  the  day:  and  Adam  and  his  wife  hid  themselves  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  God  amongst  the  trees  of  the  garden. 

mGen.  ii.  3.  And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  sanctified  it: 
because  that  in  it  he  had  rested  from  all  his  work  which  God  created 
and  made.  Ex.  xx.  11.  For  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day : 
wrherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  sabbath  day,  and  hallowed  it.  See 
verses  8-10. 

"  Gal.  iii.  12.  And  the  law  is  not  of  faith  :  but,  The  man  that  doeth 
them  shall  live  in  them.  See  Rom.  x.  5 ;  Gal.  iii.  10. 

0  Gen.  ii.  9.  And  out  of  the  ground  made  the  Lord  God  to  grow  every 
tree  that  is  pleasant  to  the  sight,  and  good  for  food  ;  the  tree  of  life  also 
in  the  midst  of  the  garden,  and  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good  and  evil. 

l’Gen.  ii.  16, 17.  And  the  Lord  God  commanded  the  man,  saying, 
Of  every  tree  of  the  garden  thou  mayest  freely  eat :  But  of  the  tree 
of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it :  for  in  the 
day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die.  See  Gen.  iii. 

21.  ?Gen.  iii.  6-8, 13.  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was 
good  for  food,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  de¬ 
sired  to  make  one  wise,  she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat,  and 
gave  also  unto  her  husband  with  her  ;  and  he  did  eat.  And  the  eyes 
of  them  both  were  opened,  and  they  knew  that  they  were  naked ;  and 
they  sewed  fig  leaves  together,  and  made  themselves  aprons.  And 
they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God  walking  in  the  garden  in  the 
cool  of  the  day :  and  Adam  and  his  wife  hid  themselves  from  the  pres¬ 
ence  of  the  Lord  God  amongst  the  trees  of  the  garden.— And  the  Lord 
God  said  unto  the  woman,  What  is  this  that  thou  hast  done  ?  And  the 
woman  said,  The  serpent  beguiled  me,  and  I  did  eat.  See  2  Cor.  xi.  3. 


154 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


mankind  descending  from  him  by  ordinary  generation/ 
sinned  in  him,  and  fell  with  him  in  that  first  transgression.5 

Q.  23.  Into  what  estate  did  the  fad  bring  mankind? 

A.  The  fall  brought  mankind  into  an  estate  of  sin  and 
misery/ 

Q.  24.  What  is  sin  ? 

A.  Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  unto,  or  transgression 
Of  any  law  of  God,  given  as  a  rule  to  the  reasonable  creature.*4 

Q.  25.  Wherein  consists  the  sinfulness  of  that  estate  where - 
into  man  fell  ? 

A.  The  sinfulness  of  that  estate  whereinto  man  fell,  con¬ 
sisted  in  the  guilt  of  Adam’s  first  sin,™  the  want  of  that 
righteousness  wherein  he  was  created,  and  the  corruption 
of  his  nature,  whereby  he  is  utterly  indisposed,  disabled, 
and  made  opposite  unto  all  that  is  spiritually  good,  and 
wholly  inclined  to  all  evil,  and  that  continually ;  x  which 

22.  r  Acts  xvii.  26.  And  hath  made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of  men 
for  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of  the  earth. 

•Gen.  ii.  17.  But  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil, 
thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it ;  for  in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou 
shalt  surely  die.  See  Rom.  v.  12-20 ;  1  Cor.  xv.  21,  22. 

23.  t  Rom.  v.  12.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world, 
and  death  by  sin ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have 
sinned.  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law  are 
under  the  curse :  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth 
not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 

24.  "Rom.  iii.  23.  All  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  the  glory  of 
God.  1  John  iii.  4.  Whosoever  committeth  sin  transgresseth  also  the 
law :  for  sin  is  the  transgression  of  the  law.  See  Gal.  iii.  10-12. 

25.  "’Rom.  v.  12, 19.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into  the 
world,  and  death  by  sin  ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that 
all  have  sinned.— For  as  by  one  man’s  disobedience  many  were  made 
sinners,  so  by  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 
See  1  Cor.  xv.  22. 

*Rom.  v.  6.  For  when  vfc  were  yet  without  strength,  in  due  time 
Christ  died  for  the  ungodly.  Rom.  iii.  10-12.  As  it  is  written.  There 
is  none  righteous.no,  not  one:  There  is  none  that  understandeth, 
there  is  none  that  seeketh  after  God.  They  are  all  gone  out  of  the 
way,  they  are  together  become  unprofitable;  there  is  none  that  doeth 
good,  no,  not  one.  See  verses  13-19.  Eph.  ii.  3.  And  were  by  nature 
the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  others.  Rom.  viii.  7,  8.  Because  the 
carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God  :  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of 
God,  neither  indeed  can  be.  So  then  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot 
please  God.  Gen.  vi.  5.  And  God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of  man  was 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


155 


is  commonly  called  original  sin ,  and  from  which  do  pro¬ 
ceed  all  actual  transgressions.?/ 

Q.  26.  How  is  original  sin  conveyed  from  our  first  parents 
unto  their  posterity  f 

A.  Original  sin  is  conveyed  from  our  first  parents  unto 
their  posterity  by  natural  generation,  so  as  all  that  pro¬ 
ceed  from  them  in  that  way,  are  conceived  and  born  in 
sin.2 

Q.  27.  What  misery  did  the  fall  bring  upon  manldnd  ? 

A.  The  fall  brought  upon  mankind  the  loss  of  com¬ 
munion  with  God,a  his  displeasure  and  curse;  so  as  we 
are  by  nature  children  of  wrath, &  bond  slaves  to  Satan, c 
and  justly  liable  to  all  punishments  in  this  world  and  that 
which  is  to  corned 


great  in  the  earth,  and  that  every  imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  his 
heart  was  only  evil  continually. 

y  James  i.  14, 15.  But  every  man  is  tempted,  when  he  is  drawn  away 
of  his  own  lust,  and  enticed.  Then  when  lust  hath  conceived,  it 
bringeth  forth  sin;  and  sin,  when  it  is  finished,  bringeth  forth  death. 
Matt.  xv.  19.  For  out  of  the  heart  proceed  evil  thoughts,  murders, 
adulteries,  fornications,  thefts,  false  witness,  blasphemies. 

26.  z  Psa.  li.  5.  Behold,  I  was  shapen  in  iniquity ;  and  in  sin  did  my 
mother  conceive  me.  John  iii.  6.  That  which  is  horn  of  the  flesh  is 
flesh. 

27.  a  Gen.  iii.  8,  24.  And  they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God  walk¬ 
ing  in  the  garden  in  the  cool  of  the  day :  and  Adam  and  his  wife  hid 
themselves  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  God  amongst  the  trees  of 
the  garden. — So  he  drove  out  the  man :  and  he  placed  at  the  east  of 
the  garden  of  Eden  cherubims,  and  a  flaming  sword  which  turned 
every  way,  to  keep  the  way  of  the  tree  of  life. 

6Eph.  ii.  2,  3.  Wherein  in  time  past  ye  walked  according  to  the 
course  of  this  world,  according  to  the  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air, 
the  spirit  that  now  worketh  in  the  children  of  disobedience :  Among 
whom  also  we  all  had  our  conversation  in  times  past  in  the  lusts  of 
our  flesh,  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  of  the  mind  ;  and  were 
by  nature  the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  others. 

c2Tim.  ii.  26.  And  that  they  may  recover  themselves  out  of  the 
snare  of  the  devil,  who  are  taken  captive  by  him  at  his  will.  See 
Luke  xi.  21,  22.  Heb.  ii.  14.  Forasmuch  then  as  the  children  are  par¬ 
takers  of  flesh  and  blood,  he  also  himself  likewise  took  part  of  the 
same ;  that  through  death  he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the  power 
of  death,  that  is,  the  devil. 

d  Lam.  iii.  89.  Wherefore  doth  a  living  man  complain,  a  man  for  the 
punishment  of  his  sins?  Rom.  vi.  23.  The  wages  of  sin  is  death. 


156 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  28.  What  are  the  punishments  of  sin  in  this  world? 

A.  The  punishments  of  sin  in  this  world,  are  either 
inward,  as  blindness  of  mind, e  a  reprobate  sense,/ strong 
delusions/  hardness  of  heart, ^  horror  of  conscience/  and 
vile  affections : k  or  outward,  as  the  curse  of  God  upon  the 
creatures  for  our  sake ; 1  and  all  other  evils  that  befall  us  in 
our  bodies,  names,  estates,  relations,  and  employments ; m 
together  with  death  itself.71 

Q.  29.  What  are  the  punishments  of  sin  in  the  world  to 
come  ? 

A.  The  punishments  of  sin  in  the  world  to  come,  are, 
everlasting  separation  from  the  comfortable  presence  of 
Rod,  and  most  grievous  torments  in  soul  and  body,  with¬ 
out  intermission,  in  hell  fire  for  ever.0 

See  Rom.  v.  14 ;  Gen.  ii.  17.  Matt.  xxv.  41,  46.  Then  shall  he  say  also 
unto  them  on  the  left  hand,  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlast¬ 
ing  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels.— And  these  shall  go 
away  into  everlasting  punishment :  but  the  righteous  into  life  eternal. 

28.  e  Eph.  iv.  18.  Having  the  understanding  darkened,  being  alien¬ 
ated  from  the  life  of  God  through  the  ignorance  that  is  in  them,  be¬ 
cause  of  the  blindness  of  their  heart. 

/Rom.  i.  28.  Even  as  they  did  not  like  to  retain  God  in  their  knowl¬ 
edge,  God  gave  them  over  to  a  reprobate  mind,  to  do  those  things 
which  are  not  convenient. 

o2  Thess.  ii.  11.  And  for  this  cause  God  shall  send  them  strong  de» 
lusion,  that  they  should  believe  a  lie. 

h  Rom.  ii.  5.  But,  after  thy  hardness  and  impenitent  heart,  treasurest 
up  unto  thyself  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath  and  revelation  of  the 
righteous  judgment  of  God. 

*Isa.  xxxiii.  14.  The  sinners  in  Zion  are  afraid;  fearfulness  hath 
surprised  the  hypocrites.  Who  among  us  shall  dwell  with  the  devour¬ 
ing  fire?  who  among  us  shall  dwell  with  everlasting  burnings?  See 
Gen.  iv.  13,  14;  Matt,  xxvii.  4. 

*Rom.  i.  26.  For  this  cause  God  gave  them  up  unto  vile  affections. 

*Gen.  iii.  17.  Because  thou  hast  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of  thy 
wife,  and  hast  eaten  of  the  tree,  of  which  I  commanded  thee,  saying, 
Thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it :  cursed  is  the  ground  for  thy  sake ;  in  sorrow 
shalt  thou  eat  of  it  all  the  days  of  thy  life. 

m  Deut.  xxviii.  15.  If  thou  wilt  not  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  thy  God,— all  these  curses  shall  come  upon  thee.  See  verses 
16-68. 

n  Rom.  vi.  21,  23.  What  fruit  had  ye  then  in  those  things  whereof  ye 
are  now  ashamed?  for  the  end  of  those  things  is  death. — The  wages 
of  sin  is  death. 

29. 0  2  Thess.  i.  9.  Who  shall  be  punished  with  everlasting  destruc* * 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


157 


Q.  30.  Doth  God  leave  all  mankind  to  perish  in  the  estate 
of  sin  and  misery  ? 

A.  God  doth  not  leave  all  men  to  perish  in  the  estate  of 
sin  and  misery,  P  into  which  they  fell  by  the  breach  of  the 
first  covenant,  commonly  called  the  covenant  of  works  ;<? 
but  of  his  mere  love  and  mercy  delivereth  his  elect  out 
of  it,  and  bringeth  them  into  an  estate  of  salvation  by 
the  second  covenant,  commonly  called  the  covenant  of 
grace/ 

Q.  31.  With  whom  was  the  covenant  of  grace  made  ? 

A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  made  with  Christ  as  the 
second  Adam,  and  in  him  with  all  the  elect  as  his  seed.s 

tion  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his  power. 
Mark  ix.  47,  48.  And  if  thine  eye  offend  thee,  pluck  it  out:  it  is 
better  for  thee  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God  with  one  eye,  than 
having  two  eyes  to  he  cast  into  hell  fire  :  Where  their  worm  dieth  not, 
and  the  fire  is  not  quenched.  Luke  xvi.  24,  26.  Send  Lazarus,  that 
he  may  dip  the  tip  of  his  finger  in  water,  and  cool  my  tongue  ;  for  I 
am  tormented  in  this  flame.— Between  us  and  you  there  is  a  great 
gulf  fixed :  so  that  they  which  would  pass  from  hence  to  you  cannot ; 
neither  can  they  pass  to  us,  that  would  come  from  thence.  See  Matt, 
xxv.  41,  46;  Rev.  xiv.  11;  John  iii.  36. 

30.  p1  Thess.  v.  9.  For  God  hath  not  appointed  us  to  wrath,  but  to 
obtain  salvation  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

9  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law  are  under 
the  curse  :  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in 
all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 

r  Tit.  iii.  4-7.  But  after  that  the  kindness  and  love  of  God  ou’J 
Saviour  toward  man  appeared,  Not  by  works  of  righteousness  which 
we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the  washing 
of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  Which  he  shed  on 
us  abundantly  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour;  That  being  justified 
by  his  grace,  we  should  be  made  heirs  according  to  the  hope  of  eter¬ 
nal  life.  Tit.  i.  2.  In  hope  of  eternal  life,  which  God,  that  cannot  lie. 
promised  before  the  world  began.  See  Gal.  iii.  21 ;  Rom.  iii.  20-22- 

31.  *  Gal.  iii.  16.  Now  to  Abraham  and  his  seed  were  the  promises 
made.  He  saith  not,  And  to  seeds,  as  of  many ;  but  as  of  one,  And  to 
thy  seed,  which  is  Christ.  Isa.  liii.  10, 11.  Yet  it  pleased  the  Lord  to 
bruise  him ;  he  hath  put  him  to  grief :  when  thou  shalt  make  his  soul 
an  offering  for  sin,  he  shall  see  his  seed,  he  shall  prolong  his  days,  and 
the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  shall  prosper  in  his  hand.  He  shall  see  of 
the  travail  of  his  soul,  and  shall  be  satisfied:  by  his  knowledge  shall 
my  righteous  servant  justify  many ;  for  he  shall  bear  their  iniquities. 
Isa.  lix.  21.  As  for  me,  this  is  my  covenant  with  them,  saith  the  Lord  ; 
My  Spirit  that  is  upon  thee,  and  my  words  which  I  have  put  in  thy 


158 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  32.  How  is  the  grace  of  God  manifested  in  the  second 
covenant  ? 

A.  The  grace  of  God  is  manifested  in  the  second  cove¬ 
nant,  in  that  he  freely  provideth  and  offereth  to  sinners  a 
mediator/  and  life  and  salvation  by  him  ; u  and,  requiring 
faith  as  the  condition  to  interest  them  in  him,™  promiseth 
and  giveth  his  Holy  Spirit  to  all  his  elect, x  to  work  in  them 
that  faith, v  with  all  other  saving  graces  ;  2  and  to  enable 
them  unto  all  holy  obedience,0  as  the  evidence  of  the 

mouth,  shall  not  depart  out  of  thy  mouth,  nor  out  of  the  mouth  of 
thy  seed,  nor  out  of  the  mouth  of  thy  seed’s  seed,  saith  the  Lord,  from 
henceforth  and  for  ever. 

32.  *  Gen.  iii.  15.  And  I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and  the 
woman,  and  between  thy  seed  and  her  seed ;  it  shall  bruise  thy  head, 
and  thou  shalt  bruise  his  heel.  Isa.  xlii.  6.  I  the  Lord  have  called 
thee  in  righteousness,  and  will  hold  thine  hand,  and  will  beep  thee, 
and  give  thee  for  a  covenant  of  the  people,  for  a  light  of  the  Gentiles. 
John  iii.  16.  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only  be¬ 
gotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life.  John  vi.  27.  Labor  not  for  the  meat  which 
perisheth,  but  for  that  meat  which  endureth  unto  everlasting  life, 
which  the  Son  of  man  shall  give  unto  you :  for  him  hath  God  the 
Father  sealed.  1  Tim.  ii.  5.  For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  mediator 
between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus. 

U1  John  v.  11,  12.  And  this  is  the  record,  that  God  hath  given  to  us 
eternal  life,  and  this  life  is  in  his  Son.  He  that  hath  the  Son  hath 
life ;  and  he  that  hath  not  the  Son  of  God  hath  not  life. 

“'John  iii.  36.  He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  hath  everlasting  life: 
and  he  that  believeth  not  the  Son  shall  not  see  life ;  but  the  wrath 
of  God  abideth  on  him.  John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to 
them  gave  he  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  be¬ 
lieve  on  his  name. 

*Prov.  i.  23.  Behold,  I  will  pour  out  my  spirit  unto  you,  I  will 
make  known  my  words  unto  you.  See  Isa.  lix.  21.  Luke  xi.  13.  If 
ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your  children; 
how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
them  that  ask  him? 

y  1  Cor.  xii.  3,  9.  Wherefore  I  give  you  to  understand,  that  no  man 
speaking  by  the  Spirit  of  God  calleth  Jesus  accursed :  and  that  no  man 
can  say  that  Jesus  is  the  Lord,  but  by  the  Holy  Ghost. — To  another 
faith  by  the  same  Spirit;  to  another  the  gifts  of  healing  by  the  same 
Spirit. 

*Gal.  v.  22,  23.  But  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  long- 
suffering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  Meekness,  temperance  :  against 
such  there  is  no  law. 

«Ezek.  xxxvi.  27.  And  I  will  put  my  Spirit  w  ithin  you,  and  cause 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


159 


truth  of  their  faith, &  and  thankfulness  to  God,c  and  as 
the  way  which  he  hath  appointed  them  to  salvation.^ 

Q.  33.  Was  the  covenant  of  grace  always  administered 
ofter  one  and  the  same  manner  ? 

A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  not  always  administered 
after  the  same  manner,  but  the  administrations  of  it  under 
the  Old  Testament  were  different  from  those  under  the 
New.6 

Q.  34.  How  was  the  covenant  of  grace  administered  wider 
the  Old  Testament  ? 

A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  administered  under  the 
Old  Testament,  by  promises,/  prophecies, £  sacrifices,^  cir- 

you  to  walk  in  my  statutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my  judgments,  and  do 
them. 

b  James  ii.  18,  22.  Yea,  a  man  may  say,  Thou  hast  faith,  and  I  have 
works :  show  me  thy  faith  without  thy  works,  and  I  will  show  thee 
my  faith  by  my  works. — Seest  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his  works, 
and  by  works  was  faith  made  perfect? 

c  2  Cor.  v.  14, 15.  For  the  love  of  Christ  constraineth  us;  because 
we  thus  judge,  that  if  one  died  for  all,  then  were  all  dead:  And  that 
he  died  for  all,  that  they  which  live  should  not  henceforth  live  unto 
themselves,  but  unto  him  which  died  for  them,  and  rose  again. 

dEph.  ii.  10.  For  we  are  his  workmanship,  created  in  Christ  Jesus 
unto  good  works,  which  God  hath  before  ordained  that  we  should 
walk  in  them.  See  Tit.  ii.  14. 

33.  e  2  Cor.  iii.  6-9.  Who  also  hath  made  us  able  ministers  of  the 
new  testament ;  not  of  the  letter,  but  of  the  spirit :  for  the  letter 
killeth,  but  the  spirit  giveth  life.  But  if  the  ministration  of  death, 
written  and  engraven  in  stones,  was  glorious,  so  that  the  children  of 
Israel  could  not  steadfastly  behold  the  face  of  Moses  for  the  glory  of 
his  countenance ;  which  glory  was  to  be  done  away ;  How  shall  not 
the  ministration  of  the  spirit  be  rather  glorious  ?  For  if  the  minis¬ 
tration  of  condemnation  he  glory,  much  more  doth  the  ministration 
of  righteousness  exceed  in  glory.  See  Heb.  viii.  7-13. 

34.  /Rom.  xv.  8.  Now  I  say  that  Jesus  Christ  was  a  minister  of  the 
circumcision  for  the  truth  of  God,  to  confirm  the  promises  made  unto 
the  fathers.  Acts  iii.  20.  And  he  shall  send  Jesus  Christ,  which  be¬ 
fore  was  preached  unto  you. 

^  Acts  iii.  24.  Yea,  and  all  the  prophets  from  Samuel  and  those  that 
follow  after,  as  many  as  have  spoken,  have  likewise  foretold  of  these 
days. 

*Heb.  x.  1.  For  the  law  having  a  shadow  of  good  things  to  come, 
and  not  the  very  image  of  the  things,  can  never  with  those  sacrifices, 
which  they  offered  year  by  year  continually,  make  the  comers  there¬ 
unto  perfect. 


160 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM . 


cumcision/  the  passover/'  and  other  types  and  ordinances* * 
which  did  all  fore-signify  Christ  then  to  come,  and  were 
for  that  time  sufficient  to  build  up  the  elect  in  faith  in  the 
promised  Messiah/  by  whom  they  then  had  full  remis¬ 
sion  of  sin  and  eternal  salvation.™ 

Q.  35.  How  is  the  covenant  of  grace  administered  under 
the  New  Testament  ? 

A.  Under  the  New  Testament,  when  Christ  the  sub¬ 
stance  was  exhibited,  the  same  covenant  of  grace  was 
and  still  is  to  be  administered  in  the  preaching  of  the 
Word,71  and  the  administration  of  the  Sacraments  of  Bap¬ 
tism,0  and  the  Lord’s  Supper  ;P  in  which  grace  and  salva- 


»Rom.  iv.  11.  And  he  received  the  sign  of  circumcision,  a  seal  of 
the  righteousness  of  the  faith  which  he  had  yet  being  uncircumcised : 
that  he  might  he  the  father  of  all  them  that  believe,  though  they  be 
not  circumcised ;  that  righteousness  might  be  imputed  unto  them  also. 

*1  Cor.  v.  7.  Purge  out  therefore  the  old  leaven,  that  ye  may  be  a 
new  lump,  as  ye  are  unleavened.  For  even  Christ  our  passover  is 
sacrificed  for  us.  See  Ex.  xii.  1-36. 

*See  Heb.  viii. ;  ix. ;  x.  Heb.  xi.  13.  These  all  died  in  faith,  not  hav 
ing  received  the  promises,  but  having  seen  them  afar  off!  and  were 
persuaded  of  them,  and  embraced  them,  and  confessed  that  they  w^ere 
strangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth. 

"‘Gal.  iii.  7-9, 14.  Know  ye  therefore  that  they  which  are  of  faith, 
the  same  are  the  children  of  Abraham.  And  the  Scripture,  foreseeing 
that  God  would  justify  the  heathen  through  faith,  preached  before  the 
gospel  unto  Abraham,  saying,  In  thee  shall  all  nations  be  blessed.  So 
then  they  which  be  of  faith  are  blessed  with  faithful  Abraham.— That 
the  blessing  of  Abraham  might  come  on  the  Gentiles  through  Jesus 
Christ;  that  we  might  receive  the  promise  of  the  Spirit  through  faith. 

35.  nLuke  xxiv.  47,  48.  And  that  repentance  and  remission  of  sins 
should  be  preached  in  his  name  among  all  nations,  beginning-  at 
Jerusalem.  And  ye  are  witnesses  of  these  things. 

°Matt.  xxviii.  19,  20.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap¬ 
tizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Iloly  Ghost:  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have 
commanded  you :  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world.  Amen. 

p  1  Cor.  xi.  23-25.  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also 
T  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which 
he  was  betrayed,  took  bread :  And  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he 
brake  if,  and  said.  Take,  eat;  this  is  my  body,  which  is  broken  for 
you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  After  the  same  manner  also  he 
took  the  cup,  when  lie  had  supped,  saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testament 
in  my  blood:  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


161 


tion  are  held  forth  in  more  fullness,  evidence  and  efficacy 
to  all  nations.^ 

Q.  36.  Who  is  the  Mediator  of  the  covenant  of  grace  ? 

A.  The  only  Mediator  of  the  covenant  of  grace  is  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ/  who  being  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  of 
one  substance  and  equal  with  the  Father,5  in  the  fullness 
of  time  became  man/  and  so  was,  and  continues  to  be, 
God  and  man,  in  two  entire  distinct  natures,  and  one  per¬ 
son  for  ever.16 

Q.  37.  How  did  Christ ,  being  the  Son  of  God ,  become  man  ? 

A.  Christ  the  Son  of  God  became  man,  by  taking  to  him¬ 
self  a  true  body  and  a  reasonable  8001,™  being  conceived 
by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  in  the  womb  of  the  Virgin 
Mary,  of  her  substance,  and  born  of  her/ yet  without  sin.?/ 

9 Rom.  i.  16.  For  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ :  for  it  is 
the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth ;  to  the 
Jew  first,  and  also  to  the  Greek.  2  Cor.  iii.  6.  Who  also  hath  made  us 
able  ministers  of  the  new  testament;  not  of  the  letter,  but  of  the 
spirit:  for  the  letter  killeth,  but  the  spirit  giveth  life. 

36.  r  John  xiv.  6.  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way,  the  truth, 
and  the  life :  no  man  cometh  unto  the  Father,  but  by  me.  1  Tim.  ii. 
5.  For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  mediator  between  God  and  men,  the 
man  Christ  Jesus. 

8  John  i.  1.  In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was  with 
God,  and  the  Word  was  God.  John  x.  30.  I  and  my  Father  are  one. 
Phil.  ii.  6.  Who,  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not  robbery  to 
be  equal  with  God. 

*  Gal.  iv.  4.  But  when  the  fullness  of  the  time  was  come,  God  sent 
forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman. 

uLuke  i.  35.  That  holy  thing  which  shall  be  born  of  thee  shall  be 
called  the  Son  of  God.  Rom.  ix.  5.  Whose  are  the  fathers,  and  of 
whom  as  concerning  the  flesh  Christ  came ,  who  is  over  all,  God 
blessed  for  ever.  Amen.  Col.  ii.  9.  For  in  him  dwelleth  all  the  full¬ 
ness  of  the  Godhead  bodily.  Heb.  xiii.  8.  Jesus  Christ  the  same  yes¬ 
terday,  and  to  day,  and  for  ever. 

37.  "'John  i.  14.  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us. 
Matt.  xxvi.  38.  My  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful,  even  unto  death.  See 
Luke  ii.  40,  52;  John  xi.  33. 

*Luke  i.  31,  35,  42.  And,  behold,  thou  shalt  conceive  in  thy  womb, 
and  bring  forth  a  son,  and  shalt  call  his  name  JESUS. — The  Holy  Ghost 
shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow 
thee  ;  therefore  also  that  holy  thing  which  shall  be  born  of  thee  shall 
be  called  the  Son  of  God.— Blessed  art  thou  among  women,  and  blessed 
is  the  fruit  of  thy  womb. 

*Heb.  iv.  15.  For  we  have  not  a  high  priest  which  cannot  be 

11 


162 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  38.  Why  was  it  requisite  that  the  Mediator  should  be  God? 
A.  It  was  requisite  that  the  Mediator  should  be  God, 
that  he  might  sustain  and  keep  the  human  nature  from 
sinking  under  the  infinite  wrath  of  God,  and  the  power 
of  death ; 3  give  worth  and  efficacy  to  his  sufferings,  obe¬ 
dience,  and  intercession;0  and  to  satisfy  God’s  justice,1 b 
procure  his  favor, c  purchase  a  peculiar  people, d  give  his 
Spirit  to  them,e  conquer  all  their  enemies,/  and  bring  them 
to  everlasting  salvation.^ 

Q.  39.  Why  was  it  requisite  that  the  Mediator  should  be  man? 
A.  It  was  requisite  that  the  Mediator  should  be  man, 

touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities :  but  was  in  all  points 
tempted  like  as  we  are ,  yet  within  sin.  Heb.  vii.  26.  For  such  a 
high  priest  became  us,  who  is  holy,  harmless,  undefiled,  separate 
from  sinners. 

38.  2  Acts  ii.  24.  Whom  God  hath  raised  up,  having  loosed  the  pains 
of  death  :  because  it  was  not  possible  that  he  should  be  holden  of  it. 
Rom.  i.  4.  Declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power,  according  to 
the  Spirit  of  holiness,  by  the  resurrection  from  the  dead. 

a  Acts  xx.  28.  To  feed  the  church  of  God,  which  he  hath  purchased 
with  his  own  blood.  Heb.  ix.  14.  How  much  more  shall  the  blood  of 
Christ,  who  through  the  eternal  Spirit  offered  himself  without  spot  to 
God,  purge  your  conscience  from  dead  works  to  serve  the  living  God  * 
Heb.  vii.  25.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the  uttermost 
that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  interces¬ 
sion  for  them.  See  John  xvii. 

A  Rom.  iii.  24-26.  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through  the 
redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus :  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a 
propitiation  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteousness 
for  the  remission  of  sins  that  are  past,  through  the  forbearance  of 
God;  To  declare,  I  say,  at  this  time  his  righteousness:  that  he  might 
be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  him  which  believeth  in  Jesus. 

e  Eph.  i.  6.  To  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he  hath 
made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved. 

dTit.  ii.  14.  Who  gave  himself  for  us,  that  he  might  redeem  us  from 
all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  himself  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of 
good  works. 

*John  xv.  26.  But  when  the  Comforter  n  come,  whom  I  will  send 
unto  you  from  the  Father.  See  John  xvi.  7;  xiv.  26. 

/Luke  i.  69,  71,  74.  And  hath  raised  up  a  horn  of  salvation  for  us  in 
tne  house  of  his  servant  David; — That  we  should  be  saved  from  our 
enemies,  and  from  the  hand  of  all  that  hate  us ;— That  he  would  grant 
us,  that  we,  being  delivered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  might 
serve  him  without  fear. 

o  Heb.  v.  9.  He  became  the  author  of  eternal  salvation  unto  all  them 
that  obey  him.  See  Heb.  ix.  11-15. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


163 


that  he  might  advance  our  nature/* *  perform  obedience  to 
the  law/  suffer  and  make  intercession  for  us  in  our  nature,* 
have  a  fellow-feeling  of  our  infirmities ; 1  that  we  might 
receive  the  adoption  of  sons,*7*  and  have  comfort  and  access 
with  boldness  unto  the  throne  of  grace.71 

Q.  40.  Why  was  it  requisite  that  the  Mediator  should  be 
God  and  man  in  one  person. 

A.  It  was  requisite  that  the  Mediator,  who  was  to  recon¬ 
cile  God  and  man,  should  himself  be  both  God  and  man, 
and  this  in  one  person ;  that  the  proper  works  of  each 
nature  might  be  accepted  of  God  for  us,°  and  relied  on  by 
us,  as  the  works  of  the  whole  person.  P 
Q.  41.  Why  was  our  Mediator  called  Jesus  ? 


39.  *Rom.  viii.  34.  Who  is  he  that  condemneth?  It  is  Christ  that 
died,  yea  rather,  that  is  risen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of 
God,  who  also  maketh  intercession  for  us.  2  Pet.  i.  4.  Whereby  are 
given  unto  us  exceeding  great  and  precious  promises  ;  that  by  these 
ye  might  be  partakers  of  the  divine  nature,  having  escaped  the  cor¬ 
ruption  that  is  in  the  world  through  lust. 

*Matt.  v.  17.  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the  law,  or  the 
prophets :  I  am  not  come  to  destroy,  but  to  fulfil.  Gal.  iv.  4.  God 
sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law.  Rom.  v. 
19.  By  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 

*Heb.  ii.  14.  Forasmuch  then  as  the  children  are  partakers  of  flesh 
and  blood,  he  also  himself  likewise  took  part  of  the  same;  that 
through  death  he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the  power  of  death. 
Heb.  vii.  24,  25.*  But  this  man,  because  he  continueth  ever,  hath  an 
unchangeable  priesthood.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to 
the  uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to 
make  intercession  for  them. 

1  Heb.  iv.  15.  For  we  have  not  a  high  priest  which  cannot  be 
touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities ;  but  was  in  all  points 
tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin. 

m  Gal.  iv.  5.  To  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might 
receive  the  adoption  of  sons. 

n  Heb.  iv.  16.  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the  throne  of  grace, 
that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 

40.  °Matt.  i.  21,  23.  And  she  shall  bring  forth  a  son,  and  thou  shalt 
call  his  name  JESUS  :  for  he  shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins.— 
Behold,  a  virgin  shall  be  with  child,  and  shall  bring  forth  a  son,  and 
they  shall  call  his  name  Emmanuel,  which  being  interpreted  is,  God 
with  us.  Matt.  iii.  17.  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  wrhom  I  am  well 
pleased. 

p1  Pet.  ii.  6.  Behold,  I  lay  in  Sion  a  chief  corner  stone,  elect,  pre¬ 
cious  :  and  he  that  believeth  on  him  shall  not  be  confounded. 


164 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


A.  Our  Mediator  was  called  Jesus,  because  he  saveth 
his  people  from  their  sins.9 

Q.  42.  Why  was  our  Mediator  colled  Christ  f 
A.  Our  Mediator  was  called  Christ,  because  he  was 
anointed  with  the  Holv  Ghost  above  measure ; r  and  so 
set  apart,  and  fully  furnished  with  all  authority  and 
ability,8  to  execute  the  office  of  prophet/  priest, w  and  king 
of  his  Church,' w  in  the  estate  both  of  his  humiliation  and 
exaltation. 

Q.  43.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a  prophet  f 
A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  prophet,  in  his  re¬ 
vealing  to  the  Church  in  all  ages,* *  by  his  Spirit  and 

41.  9  Matt.  i.  21.  And  she  shall  bring  forth  a  son,  and  thou  shalt  call 
his  name  JESUS :  for  he  shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins. 

42.  r  Matt.  iii.  16.  Lo,  the  heavens  were  opened  unto  him,  and  he  saw 
the  Spirit  of  God  descending  like  a  dove,  and  lighting  upon  him.  John 
iii.  34.  God  giveth  not  the  Spirit  by  measure  unto  him.  Psa.  xlv.  7.  God, 
thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee  with  the  oil  of  gladness  above  thy  fellow’s. 

•John  vi.  27.  Labor  not  for  the  meat  which  perisheth,  but  for  that 
meat  which  endureth  unto  everlasting  life,  w’hich  the  Son  of  man 
shall  give  unto  you :  for  him  hath  God  the  Father  sealed.  See  Matt, 
xxviii.  18-20. 

*  Acts  iii.  22.  For  Moses  truly  said  unto  the  fathers,  A  prophet  shall 
the  Lord  your  God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto  me  : 
him  shall  ye  hear  in  all  things  whatsoever  he  shall  say  unto  you. 
Luke  iv.  18,  21.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  me,  because  he  hath 
anointed  me  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  poor ;  he  hath  sent  me  to 
heal  the  brokenhearted,  to  preach  deliverance  to  the  captives,  and 
recovering  of  sight  to  the  blind,  to  set  at  liberty  them  that  are 
bruised.  And  he  began  to  say  unto  them,  This  day  is  this  Scripture 
fulfilled  in  your  ears. 

«  Heb.  v.  5,  6.  So  also  Christ  glorified  not  himself  to  be  made  a 
high  priest ;  but  he  that  said  unto  him,  Thou  art  my  Son,  to-day  have 
I  begotten  thee.  As  he  saith  also  in  another  place,  Thou  art  a  priest 
for  ever  after  the  order  of  Melchisedec.  See  Heb.  iv.  14,  15. 

"'Isa.  ix.  6,  7.  For  unto  us  a  child  is  -born,  unto  us  a  son  is  given: 
and  the  government  shall  be  upon  his  shoulder  :  and  his  name  shall 
be  called  Wonderful,  Counselor,  The  mighty  God,  The  everlasting 
Father,  The  Prince  of  Peace.  Of  the  increase  of  his  government  and 
peace  there  shall  he  no  end,  upon  the  throne  of  David,  and  upon  his 
kingdom,  to  order  it,  and  to  establish  it  with  judgment  and  with  jus¬ 
tice  from  henceforth  even  for  ever.  The  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts 
will  perform  this.  See  Psa.  ii.  6. 

43.  *  John  i.  18.  No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time ;  the  only  begot¬ 
ten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  he  hath  declared  him. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


165 


Word,!/  in  divers  ways  of  administration,2  the  whole  will  of 
God,a  in  all  things  concerning  their  edification  and  salva¬ 
tion. b 

Q.  44.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a  priest  f 
A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  priest,  in  his  once 
offering  himself  a  sacrifice  without  spot  to  God,c  to  be  a 
reconciliation  for  the  sins  of  his  people ;  d  and  in  making 
continual  intercession  for  them.^ 

Q.  45.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a  king  ? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  king,  in  calling  out 
of  the  world  a  people  to  himself;/  and  giving  them 


vl  Pet.  i.  10-12.  Of  which  salvation  the  prophets  have  inquired  and 
searched  diligently,  who  prophesied  of  the  grace  that  should  come  unto 
you :  Searching  what,  or  what  manner  of  time  the  Spirit  of  Christ 
which  was  in  them  did  signify,  when  it  testified  beforehand  the  suf¬ 
ferings  of  Christ,  and  the  glory  that  should  follow.  Unto  whom  it  was 
revealed,  that  not  unto  themselves,  but  unto  us  they  did  minister  the 
things,  which  are  now  reported  unto  you  by  them  that  have  preached 
the  gospel  unto  you  with  the  Holy  Ghost  sent  down  from  heaven. 

*Heb.  i.  1,  2.  God,  who  at  sundry  times  and  in  divers  manners 
spake  in  time  past  unto  the  fathers  by  the  prophets,  Hath  in  these 
last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his  Son. 

“John  xv.  15.  But  I  have  called  you  friends;  for  all  things  that  I 
have  heard  of  my  Father  I  have  made  known  unto  you. 

6Eph.  iv.  11-13.  And  he  gave  some,  apostles;  and  some,  prophets; 
and  some,  evangelists  ;  and  some,  pastors  and  teachers :  For  the  per¬ 
fecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of 
the  body  of  Christ :  Till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith,  and  of 
the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto  the 
measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fullness  of  Christ.  John  xx.  31.  But 
these  are  written,  that  ye  might  believe  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the 
Son  of  God ;  and  that  believing  ye  might  have  life  through  his  name. 

44.  c  Heb.  ix.  14,  28.  How  much  more  shall  the  blood  of  Christ,  who 
through  the  eternal  Spirit  offered  himself  without  spot  to  God,  purge 
i  our  conscience  ?— So  Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of  many. 

d  Heb.  ii.  17.  That  he  might  be  a  merciful  and  faithful  high  priest 
in  things  pertaining  to  God,  to  make  reconciliation  for  the  sins  of  the 
people.  See  2  Cor.  v.  18,  19. 

*  Heb.  vii.  25.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the  utter¬ 
most  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  inter¬ 
cession  for  them. 

45.  /Isa.  lv.  5.  Behold,  thou  shalt  call  a  nation  that  thou  knowest 
not,  and  nations  that  knew  not  thee  shall  run  unto  thee,  because  of 
the  Lord  thy  God,  and  for  the  Holy  One  of  Israel ;  for  he  hath  glori¬ 
fied  thee.  Gen.  xlix.  10.  The  sceptre  shall  not  depart  from  Judah, 


166 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM 


officers, 0  laws,* *  and  censures,  by  which  he  visibly  governs 
them  : i  in  bestowing  saving  grace  upon  his  elect,*  reward¬ 
ing  their  obedience/  and  correcting  them  for  their  sins,™ 
preserving  and  supporting  them  under  all  their  tempta¬ 
tions  and  sufferings,71  restraining  and  overcoming  all  their 
enemies,0  and  powerfully  ordering  all  things  for  his  own 
glory  P  and  their  good :  Q  and  also  in  taking  vengeance  on 
the  rest,  who  know  not  God,  and  obey  not  the  gospel/ 

nor  a  lawgiver  from  between  his  feet,  until  Shiloh  come ;  and  unto 
him  shall  the  gathering  of  the  people  be. 

ffl  Cor.  xii.  28.  And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first  apostles, 
secondarily  prophets,  thirdly  teachers,  after  that  miracles,  then  gifts  of 
healings,  heljjs,  governments,  diversities  of  tongues.  See  Eph.  iv.  11, 12. 
h  John  xv.  14.  Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do  whatsoever  I  command  you. 
‘Matt,  xviii.  17, 18.  And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  ii 
unto  the  church :  but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be 
unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican.  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
Whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaven;  and 
whatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on  earth  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven.  See  1 
Cor.  v.  4,  5;  1  Tim.  v.  20  ;  Tit.  iii.  10. 

*Actsv.  81.  Him  hath  God  exalted  with  his  right  hand  to  be  a 
Prince  and  a  Saviour,  for  to  give  repentance  to  Israel,  and  forgiveness 
of  sins.  See  Psa.  lxviii.  18. 

1  Rev.  xxii.  12.  And,  behold,  I  come  quickly;  and  my  reward  is 
with  me,  to  give  every  man  according  as  his  work  shall  be.  See 
Matt.  xxv.  34-36;  Rom.  ii.  7. 
m  Rev.  iii.  19.  As  many  as  I  love,  I  rebuke  and  chasten. 
n  Rom.  viii.  37-39.  Nay,  in  all  these  things  we  are  more  than  con¬ 
querors  through  him  that  loved  us.  For  I  am  persuaded,  that  neither 
death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things 
present,  nor  things  to  come,  Nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other 
creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God,  which  is 
in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

°1  Cor.  xv.  25.  For  he  must  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies 
under  his  feet.  Eph.  i.  22.  And  hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet, 
and  gave  him  to  be  the  head  over  all  things  to  the  church. 

p  Rom.  xiv.  11.  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord,  every  knee  shall  bow  to 
me,  and  every  tongue  shall  confess  to  God.  Phil.  ii.  11.  And  that 
every  tongue  should  confess  that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of 
God  the  Father. 

'i  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good 
to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his 
purpose. 

r2  Thess.  i.  8.  In  flaming  fire  taking  vengeance  on  them  that  know 
not  God,  and  that  obey  not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Psa. 
ii.  9.  Thou  shalt  break  them  with  a  rod  of  iron  ;  thou  shalt  dash 
them  in  pieces  like  a  potter’s  vessel. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


167 


Q.  46.  What  was  the  estate  of  Christ's  humiliation  ? 

A.  The  estate  of  Christ’s  humiliation  was  that  low  con¬ 
dition,  wherein  he,  for  our  sakes,  emptying  himself  of  his 
glory,  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  in  his  con¬ 
ception  and  birth,  life,  death,  and  after  his  death  until  his 
resurrections 

Q.  47.  How  did  Christ  humble  himself  in  his  conception 
and  birth  f 

A.  Christ  humbled  himself  in  his  conception  and  birth, 
in  that,  being  from  all  eternity  the  Son  of  God  in  the 
bosom  of  the  Father,  he  was  pleased  in  the  fullness  of 
time  to  become  the  son  of  man,  made  of  a  woman  of  low 
estate,  and  to  be  born  of  her,  with  divers  circumstances  of 
more  than  ordinary  abasements 

Q.  48.  How  did  Christ  humble  himself  in  his  life  f 

A.  Christ  humbled  himself  in  his  life,  by  subjecting 
himself  to  the  law,^  which  he  perfectly  fulfilled,™  and  by 
conflicting  with  the  indignities  of  the  world, ^  temptations 


46.  9  Phil.  ii.  6-8.  Who,  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not  rob¬ 
bery  to  be  equal  with  God :  But  made  himself  of  no  reputation,  and 
took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  was  made  in  the  likeness  of 
men  :  And  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  himself,  and 
became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross.  2  Cor.  viii. 
9.  For  ye  know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that,  though  he 
was  rich,  yet  for  your  sakes  he  became  poor,  that  ye  through  his  pov¬ 
erty  might  be  rich.  See  Luke  i.  31 ;  Acts  ii.  24. 

47.  t  John  i.  14,  18.  The  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us. 
—The  only  begotten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father.  Luke 
ii.  7.  And  she  brought  forth  her  firstborn  son,  and  wrapped  him  in 
swaddling  clothes,  and  laid  him  in  a  manger. 

48.  MGal.  iv.  4.  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made 
under  the  law. 

w  Matt.  v.  17.  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the  law,  or  the 
prophets :  I  am  not  come  to  destroy,  but  to  fulfil.  See  Rom.  v.  19. 

*  Isa.  liii.  2,  3.  For  he  shall  grow  up  before  him  as  a  tender  plant, 
and  as  a  root  out  of  a  dry  ground :  he  hath  no  form  nor  comeliness ; 
and  when  we  shall  see  him,  there  is  no  beauty  that  we  should  desire 
him.  He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men  ;  a  man  of  sorrows  and  ac¬ 
quainted  with  grief :  and  we  hid  as  it  were  our  faces  from  him ;  he 
was  despised,  and  we  esteemed  him  not.  Heb.  xii.  2,  3.  Looking 
unto  Jesus  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith ;  who  for  the  joy  that 
was  set  before  him  endured  the  cross,  despising  the  shame,  and  is  set 
down  at  the  right  hand  of  the  throne  of  God.  For  consider  him  that 


168 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


of  Satan,!/  and  infirmities  in  his  flesh,  whether  common  to 
the  nature  of  man  or  particularly  accompanying  that  his 
low  condition.2 

Q.  49.  How  did  Christ  humble  himself  in  his  death  ? 

A.  Christ  humbled  himself  in  his  death,  in  that  having 
been  betrayed  by  Judas, a  forsaken  by  his  disciples,1 b  scorned 
and  rejected  by  the  world,0  condemned  by  Pilate,  and  tor¬ 
mented  by  his  persecutors; d  having  also  conflicted  with 
the  terrors  of  death  and  the  powers  of  darkness,  felt  and 
borne  the  weight  of  God’s  wrath ; e  he  laid  down  his  life  an 
offering  for  sin/ enduring  the  painful,  shameful,  and  cursed 
death  of  the  cross.^ 

Q.  50.  Wherein  consisted  Christ's  humiliation  after  his 
death  ? 

endured  such  contradiction  of  sinners  against  himself,  lest  ye  be 
wearied  and  faint  in  your  minds. 

y  Matt.  iv.  1.  Then  was  Jesus  led  up  of  the  Spirit  into  the  wilder¬ 
ness  to  be  tempted  of  the  devil.  See  verses  2-12;  Luke  iv.  1-14. 

*  Heb.  ii.  17, 18.  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behooved  him  to  be  made 
like  unto  his  brethren. — For  in  that  he  himself  hath  suffered  being 
tempted,  he  is  able  to  succor  them  that  are  tempted.  See  Heb.  iv.  15; 
Isa.  lii.  14. 

49.  «Matt.  xxyii.  4.  Saying,  I  haye  sinned  in  that  I  have  betrayed 
the  innocent  blood.  And  they  said,  Whatz's  that  to  us?  see  thou  to  that. 

6  Matt.  xxvi.  56.  Then  all  the  disciples  forsook  him,  and  fled. 

cIsa.  liii.  3.  He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men  ;  a  man  of  sorrows, 
and  acquainted  with  grief :  and  we  hid  as  it  were  our  faces  from  him ; 
he  was  despised,  and  we  esteemed  him  not. 

d  Matt,  xxvii.  26.  And  when  he  had  scourged  Jesus,  he  delivered 
him  to  be  crucified.  See  John  xix.  34;  Luke  xxii.  63,  64. 

‘Luke  xxii.  44.  And  being  in  an  agony  he  prayed  more  earnestly: 
and  his  sweat  was  as  it  were  great  drops  of  blood  failing  down  to  the 
ground.  Matt,  xxvii.  46.  And  about  the  ninth  hour  Jesus  cried  with 
a  loud  voice,  saying,  Eli,  Eli,  lama  sabachthani?  that  is  to  say,  My 
God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me?  See  Rom.  viii.  32. 

/Isa.  liii.  10.  Yet  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him ;  he  hath  put 
him  to  grief:  when  thou  shalt  make  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin,  he 
shall  see  his  seed.  Matt.  xx.  28.  Even  as  the  Son  of  man  came  not 
to  be  ministered  unto,  but  to  minister,  and  to  give  his  life  a  ransom 
for  many. 

p  Phil.  ii.  8.  And  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  him¬ 
self,  and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross. 
See  Heb.  xii.  2.  Gal.  iii.  13.  Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse 
of  the  law,  being  made  a  curse  for  us :  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is 
every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


169 


A.  Christ’s  humiliation  after  his  death,  consisted  in  his 
being  buried  ; h  and  continuing  in  the  state  of  the  dead  and 
under  the  power  of  death  till  the  third  day  /  which  hath  been 
otherwise  expressed  in  these  words,  He  descended  into  hell. 

Q.  51.  What  was  the  estate  of  Christ’s  exaltation  ? 

A.  The  estate  of  Christ’s  exaltation  comprehendeth  his 
resurrection, ^  ascension/  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
Father,771  and  his  coming  again  to  judge  the  world.* I * * * * * 7 * 9* 

Q.  52.  How  was  Christ  exalted  in  his  resurrection  f 

A.  Christ  was  exalted  in  his  resurrection,  in  that,  not 
having  seen  corruption  in  death  (of  which  it  was  not  pos¬ 
sible  for  him  to  be  held)0  and  having  the  very  same  body 
in  which  he  suffered,  with  the  essential  properties  thereof P 
(but  without  mortality  and  other  common  infirmities  be¬ 
longing  to  this  life)  really  united  to  his  soul, Q  he  rose  again 

50.  *  1  Cor.  xv.  3,  4.  For  I  delivered  unto  you  first  of  all  that  which 

I  also  received,  how  that  Christ  died  for  our  sins  according  to  the 

Scriptures  ;  And  that  he  was  buried,  and  that  he  rose  again  the  third 

day  according  to  the  Scriptures. 

♦Matt.  xii.  40.  For  as  Jonas  was  three  days  and  three  nights  in  the 

whale’s  belly ;  so  shall  the  Son  of  man  be  three  days  and  three  nights 
in  the  heart  of  the  earth.  See  Psa.  xvi.  10  ;  Acts  ii.  24-26 ;  Rom.  vi.  9. 

51.  *1  Cor.  xv.  4.  And  that  he  was  buried,  and  that  he  rose  again 
the  third  day  according  to  the  Scriptures.  See  Acts  ii.  32. 

7 Luke  xxiv.  51.  And  it  came  to  pass,  while  he  blessed  them,  he 
was  parted  from  them,  and  carried  up  into  heaven.  Eph.  iv.  10.  He 
that  descended  is  the  same  also  that  ascended  up  far  above  all 
heavens,  that  he  might  fill  all  things. 

™Eph.  i.  20.  Which  he  wrought  in  Christ,  when  he  raised  him  from 
the  dead,  and  set  him  at  his  own  right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places. 

nActsi.  11.  This  same  Jesus,  which  is  taken  up  from  you  into 
heaven,  shall  so  come  in  like  manner  as  ye  have  seen  him  go  into 
heaven.  See  Matt.  xxv.  31-46;  Acts  xvii.  31. 

52. 0  Acts  ii.  24.  Whom  God  hath  raised  up,  having  loosed  the  pains 
of  death :  because  it  was  not  possible  that  he  should  be  holden  of  it. 
Psa.  xvi.  10.  For  thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell;  neither  wilt 
thou  suffer  thine  Holy  One  to  see  corruption. 

pLuke  xxiv.  39.  Behold  my  hands  and  my  feet,  that  it  is  I  myself: 
handle  me,  and  see ;  for  a  spirit  hath  not  flesh  and  bones,  as  ye  see  me 
have. 

9  Rom.  vi.  9.  Knowing  that  Christ  being  raised  from  the  dead  dieth 
no  more;  death  hath  no  more  dominion  over  him.  Rev.  i.  18.  Iam 
he  that  liveth,  and  was  dead  ;  and,  behold,  I  am  alive  for  evermore, 
Amen ;  and  have  the  keys  of  hell  and  of  death. 


170 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


from  the  dead  the  third  day  by  his  own  power ; r  whereby 
he  declared  himself  to  be  the  Son  of  God,5  to  have  satis¬ 
fied  divine  justice/  to  have  vanquished  death  and  him  that 
had  the  power  of  it,* *4  and  to  be  Lord  of  quick  and  dead.™ 
All  which  he  did  as  a  public  person,*  the  head  of  his 
Church, y  for  their  justification,2  quickening  in  grace,0  sup¬ 
port  against  enemies,5  and  to  assure  them  of  their  resur¬ 
rection  from  the  dead  at  the  last  day.c 

Q.  53.  How  was  Christ  exalted  in  his  ascension  ? 

A.  Christ  was  exalted  in  his  ascension  in  that ;  having 
after  his  resurrection  often  appeared  unto  and  conversed 
with  his  apostles,  speaking  to  them  of  the  things  pertain¬ 
ing  to  the  kingdom  of  God,d  and  giving  them  commission 

rJohn  ii.  19.  Je'jus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  Destroy  this 
temple,  and  in  three  days  I  will  raise  it  up.  John  x.  18.  No  man 
taketh  it  from  me,  but  I  lay  it  down  of  myself.  I  have  power  to  lay 
it  down,  and  I  ha  re  power  to  take  it  again. 

9  Rom.  i.  4.  An  J  declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power,  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  Spirit  of  holiness,  by  the  resurrection  from  the  dead. 

*Rom.  viii.  33,34.  It  is  God  that  justifieth.  Who  is  he  that  con- 
demneth?  It  is  Christ  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is  risen  again,  who 
is  even  at  the  r  glit  hand  of  God. 

“Heb.  ii.  14.  That  through  death  he  might  destroy  him  that  had 
the  power  of  death,  that  is,  the  devil. 

“’Rom.  xiv.  9.  For  to  this  end  Christ  both  died,  and  rose,  and  re¬ 
vived,  that  he  might  be  Lord  both  of  the  dead  and  living. 

*1  Cor.  xv.  21,  22.  For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came  also 
the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ 
shall  all  be  made  alive. 

yEph.  i.  22,  23.  And  gave  him  to  be  the  head  over  all  things  to  the 
church,  Which  is  his  body,  the  fullness  of  him  that  filleth  all  in  all. 
See  Col.  i.  18. 

*  Rom.  iv.  25.  Who  was  delivered  for  our  offences,  and  was  raised 
again  for  our  justification. 

«  Eph.  ii.  5,  6.  Even  when  we  were  dead  in  sins,  hath  quickened  us 
together  with  Christ,  (by  grace  ye  are  saved  ;)  And  hath  raised  us  up 
together,  and  made  us  sit  together  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ  Jesus. 
See  Col.  ii.  12. 

*1  Cor.  xv.  25,  26.  For  he  must  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies 
under  his  feet.  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed  is  death. 

el  Cor.  xv.  20.  But  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become 
the  firstfruits  of  them  that  slept.  1  Thess.  iv.  14.  For  if  we  believe 
that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus 
will  God  bring  with  him. 

53.  d  Acts  i.  2,  3.  Until  the  day  in  which  he  was  taken  up,  after  that 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


171 


to  preach  the  gospel  to  all  nations ; e  forty  days  after  his 
resurrection,  he,  in  our  nature  and  as  our  head,/  triumph¬ 
ing  over  enemies, £  visibly  went  up  into  the  highest  heav¬ 
ens,  there  to  receive  gifts  for  men,^  to  raise  up  our  affections 
thither/’  and  to  prepare  a  place  for  us,fc  where  himself  is  and 
shall  continue  till  his  second  coming  at  the  end  of  the  world/ 
Q.  54.  How  is  Christ  exalted  in  his  sitting  at  the  right 
hand  of  God  f 

A.  Christ  is  exalted  in  his  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of 
God,  in  that  as  God-man  he  is  advanced  to  the  highest  fa¬ 
vor  with  God  the  Father,™  w 'All  all  fullness  of  joy, n  glory/ 
and  power  over  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth  ;  V  and  doth 
gather  and  defend  his  Chu^h,  and  subdue  their  enemies ; 

he  through  the  Holy  Ghost  ha'i  given  commandments  unto  the  apos¬ 
tles  whom  he  had  chosen :  To  whom  also  he  showed  himself  alive 
after  his  passion  by  many  infallible  proofs,  being  seen  of  them  forty 
days,  and  speaking  of  the  ttings  pertaining  to  the  kingdom  of  God. 

cMatt.  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations. 

/Heb.  vi.  20.  Whither  the  forerunne**  is  for  us  entered,  even  Jesus, 
made  a  high  priest  for  ever. 

s'Eph.  iv.  8.  Wherefore  he  saith,  When  l\e  ascended  up  on  high,  he 
led  captivity  captive,  and  gave  gifts  unto  men. 

AActs  i.  9.  While  they  beheld,  he  was  taken  up;  and  a  cloud  re¬ 
ceived  him  out  of  their  sight.  Eph.  iv  10.  He  that  descended  is  the 
same  also  that  ascended  up  far  above  all  heavens,  that  he  might  fill 
all  things.  Psa.  lxviii.  18.  Thou  hast  ascended  on  high,  thou  hast 
led  captivity  captive :  thou  hast  received  gifts  for  men ;  yea,  for  the 
rebellious  also,  that  the  Lord  God  might  dwell  among  them. 

*  Col.  iii.  1,2.  If  ye  then  be  risen  with  Christ,  seek  those  things 
which  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God.  Set 
your  affection  on  things  above,  not  on  things  on  the  earth. 

*  John  xiv.  2,  3.  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.  And  if  I  go  and 
prepare  a  place  for  you,  I  will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto  my¬ 
self;  that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be  also. 

1  Acts  iii.  21.  Whom  the  heaven  must  receive  until  the  times  of 
restitution  of  all  things,  which  God  hath  spoken  by  the  mouth  of  all 
his  holy  prophets  since  the  world  began. 

54.  m  Phil.  ii.  9.  Wherefore  God  also  hath  highly  exalted  him,  and 
given  him  a  name  which  is  above  every  name. 

"Acts  ii.  28.  Thou  hast  made  known  to  me  the  ways  of  life;  thou 
shalt  make  me  full  of  joy  with  thy  countenance.  See  Psa.  xvi.  11. 

0  John  xvii.  5.  And  now,  O  Father,  glorify  thou  me  with  thine  own 
self  with  the  glory  which  I  had  with  thee  before  the  world  was. 

*Eph.  i.  22.  And  hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet,  and  gave  him 
to  he  the  head  over  all  things  to  the  church.  Matt,  xxviii.  18.  And 


172 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


furnisheth  his  ministers  and  people  with  gifts  and  graces, 9 
and  maketh  intercession  for  them/ 

Q.  55.  How  doth  Christ  make  intercession  f 
A.  Christ  maketh  intercession,  by  his  appearing  in  our 
nature  continually  before  the  Father  in  heaven, s  in  the 
merit  of  his  obedience  and  sacrifice  on  earth/  declaring 
his  will  to  have  it  applied  to  all  believers  ; u  answering  all 
accusations  against  them  ; w  and  procuring  for  them  quiet 
of  conscience  notwithstanding  daily  failings, ^  access  with 
boldness  to  the  throne  of  graced  and  acceptance  of  their 
persons2  and  services.0 


Jesus  came  and  spake  unto  them,  saying,  All  power  is  given  unto  me 
in  heaven  and  in  earth.  See  1  Pet.  iii.  22. 

9Eph.  iv.  11, 12.  And  he  gave  some,  apostles;  and  some,  prophets; 
and  some,  evangelists ;  and  some,  pastors  and  teachers ;  For  the  per¬ 
fecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying 
of  the  body  of  Christ.  See  Psa.  ex. 

rRom.  viii.  34.  Who  is  he  that  condemneth?  It  is  Christ  that  died, 
yea  rather,  that  is  risen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God, 
who  also  maketh  intercession  for  us. 

55. *  *  Heb.  ix.  24.  For  Christ  is  not  entered  into  the  holy  places  made 
with  hands,  which  are  the  figures  of  the  true  ;  but  into  heaven  itself, 
now  to  appear  in  the  presence  of  God  for  us. 

<Heb.  i.  3.  When  he  had  by  himself  purged  our  sins,  sat  down  on 
the  right  hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high. 

"John  xvii.  9,  20,  24.  I  pray  for  them :  I  pray  not  for  the  world,  but 
for  them  which  thou  hast  given  me ;  for  they  are  thine.-- Neither 
pray  I  for  these  alone,  but  for  them  also  which  shall  believe  on  me 
through  their  word ;— Father,  I  will  that  they  also,  whom  thou  hast 
given  me,  be  with  me  where  I  am ;  that  they  may  behold  my  glory, 
which  thou  hast  given  me. 

«,Rom.  viii.  35.  Who  shall  separate  us  from  the  love  of  Christ? 
shail  tribulation,  or  distress,  or  persecution,  or  famine,  or  nakedness, 
or  peril,  or  sword? 

*1  John  ii.  1,2.  If  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with  the  Father 
Jesus  Christ  the  righteous.  And  he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins: 
and  not  for  ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world.  Rom.  v. 
1 , 2.  Therefore  being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ:  By  whom  also  we  have  access  by  faith  into 
this  grace  wherein  we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God. 

v  Heb.  iv.  lfi.  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the  throne  of  grace 
that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 

*Fph.  i.  6.  To  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he  hath 
made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved. 

°  1  Pet.  ii.  5.  Ye  al30,  as  lively  stones,  are  built  up  a  spiritual  house. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


173 


Q.  56.  How  is  Christ  to  he  exalted  in  his  coming  again  to 
judge  the  world  f 

A.  Christ  is  to  be  exalted  in  his  coming  again  to  judge 
the  world,  in  that  he,  who  was  unjustly  judged  and  con¬ 
demned  by  wicked  menf  shall  come  again  at  the  last  day 
in  great  power, c  and  in  the  full  manifestation  of  his  own 
glory  and  of  his  Father’s,  with  all  his  holy  angels,1 d  with 
a  shout,  with  the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the 
trumpet  of  God,e  to  judge  the  world  in  righteousness/ 

Q.  57.  What  benefits  hath  Christ  procured  by  his  mediation  ? 

A.  Christ  by  his  mediation  hath  procured  redemption, £ 
with  all  other  benefits  of  the  covenant  of  grace/ 

Q.  58.  How  do  ice  come  to  be  made  partakers  of  the  bene - 
fits  which  Christ  hath  procured  t 

A.  We  are  made  partakers  of  the  benefits  which  Christ 
hath  procured  by  the  application  of  them  unto  us/*  which 
is  the  work  especially  of  God  the  Holy  Ghost/ 

a  holy  priesthood,  to  offer  up  spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable  to  God 
by  Jesus  Christ.  See  Rev.  viii.  3,  4. 

56.  6  Acts  iii.  14, 15.  But  ye  denied  the  Holy  One  and  the  Just,  and 
desired  a  murderer  to  be  granted  unto  you  ;  And  killed  the  Prince  of 
life,  whom  God  hath  raised  from  the  dead. 

c  Matt.  xxiv.  30.  And  then  shall  appear  the  sign  of  the  Son  of  man 
in  heaven :  and  then  shall  all  the  tribes  of  the  earth  mourn,  and  they 
shall  see  the  Son  of  man  coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven  with  power 
and  great  glory. 

d  Luke  ix.  26.  For  whosoever  shall  be  ashamed  of  me  and  of  my  words, 
of  him  shall  the  Son  of  man  be  ashamed,  when  he  shall  come  in  his  own 
glory,  and  in  his  Father’s,  and  of  the  holy  angels.  See  Matt.  xxv.  31. 

« 1  Thess.  iv.  16.  For  the  Lord  himself  shall  descend  from  heaven  with 
a  shout,  with  the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God. 

/Acts  xvii.  31.  Because  he  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the  which  he 
will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness  by  that  man  whom  he  hath  or¬ 
dained  ;  whereof  he  hath  given  assurance  unto  all  men,  in  that  In 
hath  raised  him  from  the  dead. 

57.  ^Heb.  ix.  12.  Neither  by  the  blood  of  goats  and  calves,  but  by 
his  own  blood  he  entered  in  once  into  the  holy  place,  having  obtained 
eternal  redemption  for  us. 

h  2  Cor.  i.  20.  For  all  the  promises  of  God  in  him  are  yea,  and  in 
him  Amen,  unto  the  glory  of  God  by  us. 

58.  » John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him ,  to  them  gave  he  power 
to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his  name. 

k Tit.  iii.  5,  6.  But  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the 
washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  Which  he 


174 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  59.  Who  are  made  partakers  of  redemption  through 
Christ  ? 

A.  Redemption  is  certainly  applied,  and  effectually 
communicated,  to  all  those  for  whom  Christ  hath  pur¬ 
chased  it;*  1  who  are  in  time  by  the  Holy  Ghost  enabled  tc 
believe  in  Christ,  according  to  the  gospel. w 

Q.  60.  Can  they  who  have  never  heard  the  gospel ,  and  sc 
know  not  Jesus  Christ ,  or  believe  in  him ,  be  saved  by  their 
living  according  to  the  light  of  nature? 

A.  They  who  having  never  heard  the  gospel,71  know 
not  Jesus  Christ,0  and  believe  not  in  him.  cannot  be 
saved, P  be  they  never  so  diligent  to  frame  their  lives 
according  to  the  light  of  nature, Q  or  the  laws  of  that 

shed  on  us  abundantly  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.  John  xvi. 
14,  15.  He  shall  glorify  me :  for  he  shall  receive  of  mine,  and  shall 
show  it  unto  you.  All  things  that  the  Father  hath  are  mine:  there¬ 
fore  said  I,  that  he  shall  take  of  mine,  and  shall  show  it  unto  you. 

59.  1  John  vi.  37,  39.  All  that  the  Father  giveth  me  shall  come  to 
me ;  and  him  that  cometh  to  me  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out. — And  this 
is  the  Father's  will  which  hath  sent  me,  that  of  all  which  he  hath 
given  me  I  should  lose  nothing,  but  should  raise  it  up  again  at  the 
last  day.  John  x.  15,  16.  As  the  Father  knoweth  me,  even  so  know 
I  the  Father  :  and  1  lay  down  my  life  for  the  sheep.  And  other  sheep 

I  have,  which  are  not  of  this  fold  :  them  also  I  must  bring,  and  they 
shall  hear  my  voice  ;  and  there  shall  be  one  fold,  and  one  shepherd. 
See  Eph.  i.  13,  14. 

m  Eph.  ii.  8.  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith ;  and  that  not 
of  yourselves :  it  is  the  gift  of  God.  John  iii.  5.  Jesus  answered, 
Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of 
the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 

60.  nRom.  x.  14.  How  then  shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom  they 
have  not  believed?  and  how  shall  they  believe  in  him  of  whom  they 
have  not  heard?  and  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher. 

°2Thess.  i.  8,  9.  In  flaming  fire  taking  vengeance  on  them  that 
know  not  God,  and  that  obey  not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ: 
Who  shall  be  punished  with  everlasting  destruction  from  the  pres¬ 
ence  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his  power.  Eph.  ii.  12.  That 
at  that  time  ye  were  without  Christ,  being  aliens  from  the  common¬ 
wealth  of  Israel,  and  strangers  from  the  covenants  of  promise,  having 
no  hope,  and  without  God  in  the  world. 

p  John  viii.  24.  If  ye  believe  not  that  I  am  he,  ye  shall  die  in  your 
sins.  John  iii.  18.  He  that  believeth  on  him  is  not  condemned  :  but 
he  that  believeth  not  is  condemned  already,  because  he  hath  not 
believed  in  the  name  of  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God. 

«  1  Cor  i.  21.  For  after  that  in  the  wisdom  of  God  the  world  by 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


175 


religion  which  they  profess  ; neither  is  there  salvation  in 
any  other,  but  in  Christ  alone, s  who  is  the  Saviour  only  of 
his  body  the  Church.* * 

Q.  61.  Are  all  they  saved  who  hear  the  gospel ,  and  live  in 
the  Church  t 

A.  All  that  hear  the  gospel,  and  live  in  the  visible 
Church,  are  not  saved ;  but  only  they  who  are  true  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  Church  invisible.^ 

Q.  62.  What  is  the  visible  Church  ? 

A.  The  visible  Church  is  a  society  made  up  of  all  such 
as  in  all  ages  and  places  of  the  world  do  profess  the  true 
religion, w  and  of  their  children.^ 

Q.  63.  What  are  the  special  privileges  of  the  visible  Church  ? 


wisdom  knew  not  God,  it  pleased  God  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching 
to  save  them  that  believe.  Rom.  iii.  20.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of 
the  law  there  shall  no  flesh  be  justified  in  his  sight :  for  by  the  law  is 
the  knowledge  of  sin. 

rJohniv.  22.  Ye  worship  ye  know  not  what:  we  know  what  we 
worship ;  for  salvation  is  of  the  Jewrs.  See  Phil.  iii.  4-10.  Rom.  ii.  14, 
15.  For  when  the  Gentiles,  which  have  not  the  law,  do  by  nature  the 
things  contained  in  the  law,  these,  having  not  the  law,  are  a  law 
unto  themselves  :  Which  show  the  work  of  the  law  written  in  their 
hearts,  their  conscience  also  bearing  witness,  and  their  thoughts  the 
mean  while  accusing  or  elge  excusing  one  another. 

8  Acts  iv.  12.  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other :  for  there  is 
none  other  name  under  heaven  given  among  men,  whereby  we  must 
be  saved. 

1  Eph.  v.  23.  Even  as  Christ  is  the  head  of  the  church :  and  he  is 
the  Saviour  of  the  body. 

61.  «Rom.  ix.  6.  They  are  not  all  Israel,  which  are  of  Israel.  Matt, 
vii.  21.  Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  me,  Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter  into 
the  kingdom  of  heaven ;  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father 
which  is  in  heaven.  See  Matt.  xxii.  14;  John  xii.  38-40. 

62.  w\  Cor.  i.  2.  Unto  the  church  of  God  which  is  at  Corinth,  to 
them  that  are  sanctified  in  Christ  Jesus,  called  to  he  saints,  with  all 
that  in  every  place  call  upon  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  both 
theirs  and  ours.  See  1  Cor.  xii.  13;  Rom.  xv.  9-13;  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20. 

*Gen.  xvii.  7.  And  I  will  establish  my  covenant  between  me  and 
thee  and  thy  seed  after  thee  in  their  generations,  for  an  everlasting 
covenant,  to  be  a  God  unto  thee  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee.  Acts  ii. 
39.  For  the  promise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your  children,  and  to  all  that 
are  afar  off,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call.  1  Cor.  vii. 
14.  For  the  unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified  by  the  wife,  and  the 
unbelieving  wife  is  sanctified  by  the  husband :  else  were  your  chil¬ 
dren  unclean;  but  now  are  they  holy. 


176 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


A.  The  visible  Church  hath  the  privilege  of  being  under 
God’s  special  care  and  government ;  v  of  being  protected 
and  preserved  in  all  ages,  notwithstanding  the  opposition 
of  all  enemies  ;*  2 * * *  and  of  enjoying  the  communion  of  saints, 
the  ordinary  means  of  salvation,0  and  offers  of  grace  by 
Christ  to  all  members  of  it  in  the  ministry  of  the  gospel, 
testifying  that  whosoever  believes  in  him  shall  be  saved,6 
and  excluding  none  that  will  come  unto  him.c 

Q.  G4.  What  is  the  invisible  Church? 

A.  The  invisible  Church  is  the  whole  number  of  the 
elect,  that  have  been,  are,  or  shall  be  gathered  into  one 
under  Christ  the  liead.d 

Q.  65.  What  special  benefits  do  the  members  of  the  invisible 
Church  enjoy  by  Christ  ? 


63.  v  Isa.  iv.  5,  6.  And  the  Lord  will  create  upon  every  dwelling-place 
of  mount  Zion,  and  upon  her  assemblies,  a  cloud  and  smoke  by  day, 
and  the  shining  of  a  flaming  fire  by  night :  for  upon  all  the  glory  shall 
be  a  defence.  And  there  shall  be  a  tabernacle  for  a  shadow  in  the 
daytime  from  the  heat,  and  for  a  place  of  refuge,  and  for  a  covert  from 
storm  and  from  rain.  See  1  Tim.  iv.  10. 

2  Matt.  xvi.  18.  And  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church ;  and  the 
gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it.  See  Isa.  xxxi.  4,  5;  Zech. 
xii.  2-4,  8,  9  ;  Psa.  cxv. 

a  Acts  ii.  42.  They  continued  steadfastly  in  the  apostles’  doctrine 
and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 

fcPsa.  cxlvii.  19,  20.  He  showeth  his  word  unto  Jacob,  his  statutes 
and  his  judgments  unto  Israel.  He  hath  not  dealt  so  with  any  nation  : 
and  as  for  his  judgments,  they  have  not  known  them.  See  Rom.  ix.  4 ; 
Acts  xvi.  31.  Eph.  iv.  11, 12.  And  he  gave  some,  apostles ;  and  some, 
prophets ;  and  some,  evangelists ;  and  some,  pastors  and  teachers ; 
For  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for 
the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ.  Rom.  viii.  9.  But  ye  are  not  in 
the  flesh,  but  in  the  Spirit,  if  so  be  that  the  Spirit  of  God  dwell  in  you. 
Now  if  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his. 

c  John  vi.  37.  All  that  the  Father  giveth  me  shall  come  to  me ;  and 
him  that  cometh  to  me  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out. 

64.  d  Eph.  i.  10,  22,23.  That  in  the  dispensation  of  the  fullness  of 
times  he  might  gather  together  in  one  all  things  in  Christ,  both  which 
are  in  heaven,  and  which  are  on  earth;  even  in  him.— And  hath  put 
all  things  under  his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  the  head  over  all  things 
to  the  church,  Which  is  his  body,  the  fullness  of  him  that  filleth 
all  in  all.  John  xi.  52.  And  not  for  that  nation  only,  but  that  also 
he  should  gather  together  in  one  the  children  of  God  that  were  scat¬ 
tered  abroad.  John  x.  16.  And  other  sheep  I  have,  which  are  not 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


177 


A.  The  members  of  the  invisible  Church,  by  Christ,  em 
joy  union  and  communion  with  him  in  grace  and  glory .e 

Q.  66.  What  is  that  union  which  the  elect  have  with  Christ  ? 

A.  The  union  which  the  elect  have  with  Christ  is  the 
work  of  God’s  grace,/ whereby  they  are  spiritually  and  mys¬ 
tically,  yet  really  and  inseparably,  joined  to  Christ  as 
their  head  and  husband ;  9  which  is  done  in  their  effectual 
calling.* * 

Q.  67.  What  is  effectual  calling  f 

A.  Effectual  calling  is  the  work  of  God’s  almighty 
power  and  grace/  whereby  (out  of  his  free  and  especial 
love  to  his  elect,  and  from  nothing  in  them  moving  him 

of  this  fold:  them  also  I  must  bring,  and  they  shall  hear  my  voice; 
and  there  shall  be  one  fold,  and  one  shepherd. 

65.  « John  xvii.  21.  That  they  all  may  be  one;  as  thou,  Father,  art 
in  me,  and  I  in  thee,  that  they  also  may  be  one  in  us.  1  John  i.  3. 
That  which  we  have  seen  and  heard  declare  we  unto  you,  that  ye  also 
may  have  fellowship  with  us :  and  truly  our  fellowship  is  with  the 
Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  John  xvii.  24.  Father,  I  will 
that  they  also,  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  be  with  me  where  I  am ; 
that  they  may  behold  my  glory. 

66.  /Eph.  ii.  5.  Even  when  we  were  dead  in  sins,  hath  quickened 
us  together  with  Christ,  (by  grace  ye  are  saved.) 

0lCor.  vi.  17.  But  he  that  is  joined  unto  the  Lord  is  one  spirit. 
John  x.  28.  And  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life  ;  and  they  shall  never 
perish,  neither  shall  any  man  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand.  Eph.  v. 
23.  For  the  husband  is  the  head  of  the  wife,  even  as  Christ  is  the 
head  of  the  church :  and  he  is  the  Saviour  of  the  body. 

*1  Cor.  i.  9.  God  is  faithful,  by  whom  ye  were  called  unto  the  fel¬ 
lowship  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  1  Pet.  v.  10.  But  the  God 
of  all  grace,  who  hath  called  us  unto  his  eternal  glory  by  Christ  Jesus, 
after  that  ye  have  suffered  a  while,  make  you  perfect,  stablish, 
strengthen,  settle  you. 

67.  *  Eph.  i.  18-20.  The  eyes  of  your  understanding  being  enlight¬ 
ened  ;  that  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his  calling,  and  what 
the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints,  And  what  is  the 
exceeding  greatness  of  his  power  to  us-ward  who  believe,  according 
to  the  working  of  his  mighty  power,  Which  he  wrought  in  Christ, 
when  he  raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  at  his  own  right  hand 
in  the  heavenly  places.  2  Tim.  i.  8,  9.  Be  not  thou  therefore  ashamed 
of  the  testimony  of  our  Lord,  nor  of  me  his  prisoner :  but  be  thou  par¬ 
taker  of  the  afflictions  of  the  gospel  according  to  the  power  of  God ; 
Who  hath  saved  us,  and  called  us  with  a  holy  calling,  not  according 
to  our  works,  but  according  to  his  own  purpose  and  grace,  which  was 
given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began. 

12 


178 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


thereunto)  k  he  doth  in  his  accepted  time  invite  and  draw 
them  to  Jesus  Christ,  by  his  Word  and  Spirit ;  ^  savingly 
enlightening  their  minds; m  renewing  and  powerfully  de¬ 
termining  their  wills, 71  so  as  they  (although  in  themselves 
dead  in  sin)  are  hereby  made  willing  and  able,  freely  to 
answer  his  call,  and  to  accept  and  embrace  the  grace 
offered  and  conveyed  therein.0 

Q.  G8.  Are  the  elect  only  effectually  called? 

A.  All  the  elect,  and  they  only,  are  effectually  called  ;P 
although  others  may  be  and  often  are  outwardly  called  by 
the  ministry  of  the  Word, Q  and  have  some  common  opera- 


*Tit.  iii.  4,  5.  But  after  that  the  kindness  and  love  of  God  our 
Saviour  toward  man  appeared,  Not  by  works  of  righteousness  which 
we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the  washing 
of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  See  Eph.  ii.  4-10. 
Rom.  ix.  11.  For  the  children  being  not  yet  born,  neither  having  done 
any  good  or  evil,  that  the  purpose  of  God  according  to  election  might 
stand,  not  of  works,  but  of  him  that  calleth. 

l2  Cor.  v.  20.  Now  then  we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  as  though 
God  did  beseech  you  by  us  :  we  pray  you  in  Christ’s  stead,  be  ye  recon¬ 
ciled  to  God.  2  Cor.  vi.  2.  Behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time;  behold, 
now  is  the  day  of  salvation.  John  vi.  44.  No  man  can  come  to  me, 
except  the  Father  which  hath  sent  me  draw  him:  and  I  will  raise 
him  up  at  the  last  day.  2  Thess.  ii.  13, 14.  But  we  are  bound  to  give 
thanks  always  to  God  for  you,  brethren  beloved  of  the  Lord,  because 
God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  you  to  salvation  through  sancti¬ 
fication  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth :  Whereunto  he  called  you 
by  our  gospel,  to  the  obtaining  of  the  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

m  Acts  xxvi.  18.  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from  darkness 
to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they  may  receive 
forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among  them  which  are  sanctified 
by  faith  that  is  in  me. 

n  Ezek.  xi.  19.  And  I  will  give  them  one  heart,  and  I  will  put  a  new 
spirit  within  you;  and  I  will  take  the  stony  heart  out  of  their  flesh 
and  will  give  them  a  heart  of  flesh.  See  Ezek.  xxxvi.  26,  27. 

°John  vi.  45.  And  they  shall  be  all  taught  of  God.  Every  man 
therefore  that  hath  heard,  and  hath  learned  of  the  Father,  cometh 
unto  me.  Phil.  ii.  13.  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you  both  to 
will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure.  See  Deut.  xxx.  6;  Eph.  ii.  5. 

68.  p  Acts  xiii.  48.  And  when  the  Gentiles  heard  this,  they  were 
glad,  and  glorified  the  word  of  the  Lord :  and  as  many  as  were 
ordained  to  eternal  life  believed,  Acts  ii.  47.  Praising  God,  and 
having  favor  with  all  the  people.  And  the  Ix>rd  added  to  the  church 
daily  such  as  should  be  saved. 
fMatt.  xxii.  14.  For  many  are  called,  but  few  are  chosen. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


179 


tions  of  the  Spirit  ;r  who,  for  their  willful  neglect  and 
contempt  of  the  grace  offered  to  them,  being  justly  left  in 
their  unbelief,  do  never  truly  come  to  Jesus  Christ.s 

Q.  69.  What  is  the  communion  in  grace ,  which  the  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  invisible  church  have  with  Christ  ? 

A.  The  communion  in  grace,  which  the  members  of  the 
invisible  Church  have  with  Christ,  is  their  partaking  of 
the  virtue  of  his  mediation,  in  their  justification/  adop¬ 
tion; u  sanctification,  and  whatever  else  in  this  life  mani¬ 
fests  their  union  with  him.™ 

Q.  70.  What  is  justification  ? 

A.  Justification  is  an  act  of  God’s  free  grace  unto  sin¬ 
ners,1 x  in  which  he  pardoneth  all  their  sin,  accepteth  and 
accounteth  their  persons  righteous  in  his  sight ;  V  not  for 

r  Matt.  xiii.  20, 21.  But  he  that  received  the  seed  into  stony  places,  the 
same  is  he  that  heareth  the  word,  and  anon  with  joy  receiveth  it ;  Yet 
hath  he  not  root  in  himself,  but  dureth  for  a  while :  for  when  tribulation 
or  persecution  ariseth  because  of  the  word,  by  and  by  he  is  offended. 

8  Psa.  lxxxi.  11, 12.  But  my  people  would  not  hearken  to  my  voice ; 
and  Israel  would  none  of  me.  So  I  gave  them  up  unto  their  own 
hearts’  lust ;  and  they  walked  in  their  own  counsels.  John  xii.  38-40, 
That  the  saying  of  Esaias  the  prophet  might  be  fulfilled,  which  he 
spake,  Lord,  who  hath  believed  our  report?  and  to  whom  hath  the 
arm  of  the  Lord  been  revealed?  Therefore  they  could  not  believe, 
because  that  Esaias  said  again,  He  hath  blinded  their  eyes,  and  hard¬ 
ened  their  heart ;  that  they  should  not  see  with  their  eyes,  nor  under¬ 
stand  with  their  heart,  and  be  converted,  and  I  should  heal  them. 
See  Acts  xxviii.  25-27 ;  John  vl.  64,  65;  Prov.  i.  24-32;  Psa.  xcv.  7-11. 

69.  *Rom.  viii.  30.  Moreover,  whom  he  did  predestinate,  them  he 
also  called:  and  whom  he  called,  them  he  also  justified:  and  whom 
he  justified,  them  he  also  glorified. 

M  Eph.  i.  5.  Having  predestinated  us  unto  the  adoption  of  children 
by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will. 

w  1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  of  God  is  made  un¬ 
to  us  wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification,  and  redemption. 

70.  *Rom.  iii.  22-25.  Even  the  righteousness  of  God  which  is  by  faith 
of  Jesus  Christ  unto  all  and  upon  all  them  that  believe  ;  for  there  is 
no  difference:  For  all  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  the  glory  of 
God;  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through  the  redemption 
that  is  in  Christ  Jesus  :  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitiation 
through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteousness  for  the  re¬ 
mission  of  sins  that  are  past,  through  the  forbearance  of  God. 

y  Rom.  iv.  5.  But  to  him  that  worketh  not,  but  believeth  on  him 
that  justifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for  righteousness 
2  Cor.  v.  19,  21.  To  wit,  that  God  was  in  Christ,  reconciling  the 


180 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


any  thing  wrought  in  them,  or  done  by  them,3  but  only  for 
the  perfect  obedience  and  full  satisfaction  of  Christ,  by 
God  imputed  to  them,a  and  received  by  faith  alone.b 
Q.  71.  How  is  justification  an  act  of  God’s  free  grace f 
A.  Although  Christ,  by  his  obedience  and  death,  did 
make  a  proper,  real,  and  full  satisfaction  to  God’s  justice* 
in  the  behalf  of  them  that  are  justified:0  yet,  inasmuch 
as  God  accepteth  the  satisfaction  from  a  surety,  which  he 
might  have  demanded  of  them ;  and  did  provide  this 
surety,  his  only  Son,rf  imputing  his  righteousness  to 

world  unto  himself,  not  imputing  their  trespasses  unto  them.— For  he 
hath  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  know  no  sin  ;  that  we  might  be 
made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him. 

*  Eph.  i.  6,  7.  Wherein  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved :  In 
whom  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgiveness  of 
sins,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace.  Rom.  iii.  28.  Therefore 
we  conclude  that  a  man  is  justified  by  faith  without  the  deeds  of 
the  law. 

aRom.  iii.  A,  25.  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through  the 
redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus :  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  bf 
a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood.  Rom.  v.  17-19.  For  if 
by  one  man’s  offence  death  reigned  by  one ;  much  more  they  which 
receive  abundance  of  grace  and  of  the  gift  of  righteousness  shall  reign 
in  life  by  one,  Jesus  Christ.  Therefore,  as  by  the  offence  of  one  judg¬ 
ment  came  upon  all  men  to  condemnation,  even  so  by  the  righteous¬ 
ness  of  one  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  justification  of  life, 
for  as  by  one  man’s  disobedience  many  were  made  sinners,  so  by  the 
obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  righteous.  Rom.  iv.  6-8.  Even 
as  David  also  describeth  the  blessedness  of  the  man,  unto  whom  God 
imputeth  righteousness  without  works,  Saying,  Blessed  are  they  whose 
iniquities  are  forgiven,  and  whose  sins  are  covered.  Blessed  is  the 
man  to  whom  the  Lord  will  not  impute  sin. 

^Rom.  v.  1.  Therefore  being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with 
God.  Acts  x.  43.  To  him  give  all  the  prophets  witness,  that  through 
his  name  whosoever  believeth  in  him  shall  receive  remission  of  sins 
See  Gal.  ii.  16;  Phil.  iii.  9;  Rom.  iii.  25,  26. 

71. e  Matt.  xx.  28.  Even  as  the  Son  of  man  came  not  to  be  minis 
tered  unto,  but  to  minister,  and  to  give  his  life  a  ransom  for  many. 
Rom.  v.  8-10,  19.  But  God  commendeth  his  love  toward  us,  in  that, 
while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us.  Much  more  then,  being 
now  justified  by  his  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath  through 
him.  For  if,  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were  reconciled  to  God  by 
the  death  of  his  Son;  much  more,  being  reconciled,  we  shall  be 
saved  by  his  life. — For  as  by  one  man’s  disobedience  many  were  made 
sinners,  so  by  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 

d  \  Tim.  ii.  5,  6.  For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  mediator  between  God 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


181 


them,6  and  requiring  nothing  of  them  for  their  justifica- 
tion  but  faith,/ which  also  is  his  gift, 9  their  justification 
is  to  them  of  free  graced 

Q.  72.  What  is  justifying  faith  f 

A.  Justifying  faith  is  a  saving  grace/  wrought  in  the 
heart  of  a  sinner,  by  the  Spirit k  and  word  of  God/ 
whereby  he,  being  convinced  of  his  sin  and  misery,  and 
of  the  disability  in  himself  and  all  other  creatures  to  re¬ 
cover  him  out  of  his  lost  condition, 771  not  only  assenteth  to 
the  truth  of  the  promise  of  the  gospel,71  but  receiveth  and 
resteth  upon  Christ  and  his  righteousness  therein  held 


and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus  ;  Who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all, 
to  be  testified  in  due  time.  Isa.  liii.  5,  6.  But  he  was  wounded  for  our 
transgressions,  he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities :  the  chastisement  of 
our  peace  was  upon  him  ;  and  with  his  stripes  we  are  healed.  All  we 
like  sheep  have  gone  astray ;  we  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own 
way ;  and  the  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  Heb.  vii. 
22.  By  so  much  was  Jesus  made  a  surety  of  a  better  testament.  Rom 
viii.  32.  He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us 
all,  how  shall  he  not  with  him  also  freely  give  us  all  things  ? 

«2  Cor.  v.  21.  For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no 
sin ;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him.  See 
Rom.  iv.  11;  1  Cor.  i.  30. 

/Rom.  iii.  2b.  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitiation  through 
faith  in  his  blood.  Acts  xvi.  31.  And  they  said,  Believe  on  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved,  and  thy  house. 

a'Eph.  ii.  8.  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith  ;  and  that  not 
of  yourselves :  it  is  the  gift  of  God. 

AEph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the 
forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace. 

72.  »Heb.  x.  39.  But  we  are  not  of  them  who  draw  back  unto  perdi¬ 
tion  ;  but  of  them  that  believe  to  the  saving  of  the  soul. 

k  1  Cor.  xii.  3,  9.  No  man  speaking  by  the  Spirit  of  God  calleth 
Jesus  accursed :  and  that  no  man  can  say  that  Jesus  is  the  Lord,  bu; 
by  the  Holy  Ghost.— To  another  faith  by  the  same  Spirit. 

*Rom.  x.  14, 17.  How  then  shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom  they 
have  not  believed?  and  how  shall  they  believe  in  him  of  whom  they 
have  not  heard  ?  and  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher  ?  So  then 
faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by  the  word  of  God.  See  Rom.  i.  16. 

wJohn  xvi.  8,9.  And  when  he  is  come,  he  will  reprove  the  world 
of  sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and  of  judgment :  Of  sin,  because  they 
believe  not  on  me.  Acts  xvi.  30.  Sirs,  what  must  I  do  to  be  saved? 
See  Acts  ii.  37;  Eph.  ii.  1;  Acts  iv.  12;  Rom.  vii.  9. 

nEph.  i.  13.  In  whom  ye  also  trusted,  after  that  ye  heard  the  word 
of  truth,  the  gospel  of  your  salvation. 


182 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


forth,  for  pardon  of  sin,0  and  for  the  accepting  and  ac¬ 
counting  of  his  person  righteous  in  the  sight  of  God  for 
salvation.? 

Q.  73.  How  doth  faith  justify  a  sinner  in  the  sight  of 
God ? 

A.  Faith  justifies  a  sinner  in  the  sight  of  God,  not  be¬ 
cause  of  those  other  graces  which  do  always  accompany 
it,  or  of  good  works  that  are  the  fruits  of  it;  Q  nor  as 
if  the  grace  of  faith,  or  any  act  thereof,  were  imputed  to 
him  for  justification ; r  but  only  as  it  is  an  instrument,  by 
which  he  receiveth  and  applieth  Christ  and  his  righteous- 
ness.s 

Q.  74.  What  is  adoption  ? 

A.  Adoption  is  an  act  of  the  free  grace  of  God/  in  and 
for  his  only  Son  Jesus  Christ, w  whereby  all  those  that  are 

0  Acts  x.  43.  To  him  give  all  the  prophets  witness,  that  through  his 
name  whosoever  believeth  in  him  shall  receive  remission  of  sins. 
See  Acts  xvi.  31 ;  John  i.  12. 

p  Phil.  iii.  9.  And  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteous¬ 
ness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of 
Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith.  Acts  xv.  11.  But 
we  believe  that  through  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  we  shall 
be  saved,  even  as  they. 

73.  7  Gal.  iii.  11.  But  that  no  man  is  justified  by  the  lawr  in  the  sight 
of  God,  it  is  evident :  for,  The  just  shall  live  by  faith.  Rom.  iii.  28. 
Therefore  we  conclude  that  a  man  is  justified  by  faith  without  the 
deeds  of  the  law. 

rRom.  iv.  5.  But  to  him  that  worketh  not,  but  believeth  on  him 
that  justifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for  righteousness. 
See  Rom.  x.  10. 

•John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power 
to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his  name.  See 
Phil.  iii.  9.  Gal.  ii.  16.  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  justified  by  the 
works  of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ,  even  we  have  be¬ 
lieved  in  Jesus  Christ,  that  we  might  be  justified  by  the  faith  of  Christ, 
and  not  by  the  works  of  the  law :  for  by  the-works  of  the  law  shall  no 
flesh  be  justified. 

74.  <  1  John  iii.  1.  Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  be¬ 
stowed  upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God. 

«  Eph.  i.  5.  Having  predestinated  us  unto  the  adoption  of  children 
by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will. 
Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  But  when  the  fullness  of  the  time  was  come,  God  sent 
forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law,  To  redeem  them 
that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  of  sons. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


183 


justified  are  received  into  the  number  of  his  children,™ 
have  his  name  put  upon  them,x  the  Spirit  of  his  Son  given 
to  them, v  are  under  his  fatherly  care  and  dispensations,2 
admitted  to  all  the  liberties  and  privileges  of  the  sons  of 
God,  made  heirs  of  all  the  promises,  and  fellow-heirs  with 
Christ  in  glory. a 

Q.  75.  What  is  sanctification  ? 

A.  Sanctification  is  a  work  of  God’s  grace,  whereby, 
they  whom  God  hath  before  the  foundation  of  the  world 
chosen  to  be  holy,  are  in  time  through  the  powerful  op¬ 
eration  of  his  Spirit,1 b  applying  the  death  and  resurrection 
of  Christ  unto  them,c  renewed  in  their  whole  man  after 
the  image  of  God ;  d  having  the  seeds  of  repentance  unto 


“’John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power* * 
to  become  the  sons  of  God. 

*2  Cor.  vi.  18.  And  will  be  a  Father  unto  you,  and  ye  shall  be  my 
sons  and  daughters,  saith  the  Lord  Almighty.  Rev.  iii.  12.  And  1 
will  write  upon  him  my  new  name. 

y  Gal.  iv.  6.  And  because  ye  are  sons,  God  hath  sent  forth  the  Spirit 
of  his  Son  into  your  hearts,  crying,  Abba,  Father. 

zPsa.  ciii.  13.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so  the  Lord  pith 
eth  them  that  fear  him.  Matt.  vi.  32.  For  your  heavenly  Father 
knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of  all  these  things. 

“Rom.  viii.  17.  And  if  children,  then  heirs ;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint 
heirs  with  Christ ;  if  so  be  that  we  suffer  with  him,  that  we  may  be 
also  glorified  together.  See  Heb.  vi.  12. 

75. 6Eph.  i.  4.  According  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world,  that  we  should  be  holy  and  without  blame 
before  him  in  love.  1  Cor.  vi.  11.  And  such  were  some  of  you:  but 
ye  are  washed,  but  ye  are  sanctified,  but  ye  are  justified  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God.  2  Thess.  ii.  13.  But 
we  are  bound  to  give  thanks  always  to  God  for  you,  brethren  beloved 
of  the  Lord,  because  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  you  to 
salvation  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth. 

cRom.  vi.  4-6.  Therefore  we  are  buried  with  him  by  baptism  into 
death  :  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory 
of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should  walk  in  newness  of  life.  For 
If  we  have  been  planted  together  in  the  likeness  of  his  death,  we 
shall  be  also  in  the  likeness  of  his  resurrection :  Knowing  this,  that  our 
old  man  is  crucified  with  him,  that  the  body  of  sin  might  be  destroyed, 
that  henceforth  we  should  not  serve  sin.  Phil.  iii.  10.  That  I  may 
know  him,  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  the  fellowship  of 
his  sufferings,  being  made  conformable  unto  his  death. 
dEph.  iv.  23,  24.  And  be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  your  mind ;  And 


184 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


life  and  all  other  saving  graces,  put  into  their  hearts,6  and 
those  graces  so  stirred  up,  increased,  and  strengthened/ 
as  that  they  more  and  more  die  unto  sin  and  rise  unto 
newness  of  life.# 

Q.  76.  What  is  repentance  unto  life? 

A.  Repentance  unto  life  is  a  saving  grace/  wrought  in 
L/he  heart  of  a  sinner  by  the  Spirit i  and  word  of  God/' 
whereby,  out  of  the  sight  and  sense,  not  only  of  the  dan- 

that  ye  put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is  created  in  righteous¬ 
ness  and  true  holiness. 

eActs  xi.  18.  When  they  heard  these  things,  they  held  their  peace, 
and  glorified  God,  saying,  Then  hath  God  also  to  the  Gentiles  granted 
repentance  unto  life.  1  John  iii.  9.  Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth 
not  commit  sin ;  for  his  seed  remaineth  in  him :  and  he  cannot  sin, 
because  he  is  born  of  God. 

/Jude  20.  But  ye,  beloved,  building  up  yourselves  on  your  most 
holy  faith,  praying  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  Eph.  iii.  16-19.  That  he 
would  grant  you,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  glory,  to  be  strength¬ 
ened  with  might  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner  man;  That  Christ  may 
dwell  in  your  hearts  by  faith ;  that  ye,  being  rooted  and  grounded  in 
love,  May  be  able  to  comprehend  with  all  saints  what  is  the  breadth, 
and  length,  and  depth,  and  height ;  And  to  know  the  love  of  Christ, 
which  passeth  knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  filled  with  all  the  fullness 
of  God.  Col.  i.  10,  11.  That  ye  might  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto  all 
pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  every  good  work,  and  increasing  in  the 
knowledge  of  God ;  Strengthened  with  all  might,  according  to  his 
glorious  power,  unto  all  patience  and  longsuffering  with  joyfulness. 

?Rom.  vi.  4,  6.  Therefore  we  are  buried  with  him  by  baptism  into 
death :  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory 
of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should  walk  in  newness  of  life.— Know¬ 
ing  this,  that  our  old  man  is  crucified  with  him,  that  the  body  of  sin 
might  be  destroyed,  that  henceforth  we  should  not  serve  sin. 

76.  h  Luke  xxiv.  47.  And  that  repentance  and  remission  of  sins 
should  be  preached  in  his  name  among  all  nations,  beginning  at 
Jerusalem.  2  Tim.  ii.  25.  If  God  peradventure  will  give  them  repent¬ 
ance  to  the  acknowledging  of  the  truth. 

*  John  xvi.  8,  9.  And  when  he  is  come,  he  will  reprove  the  world 
of  sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and  of  judgment :  Of  sin,  because  they 
believe  not  on  me. 

*  Acts  xi.  18,  20,  21.  When  they  heard  these  things,  they  held  their 
peace,  and  glorified  God,  saying,  Then  hath  God  also  to  the  Gentiles 
granted  repentance  unto  life.— And  some  of  them  were  men  of  Cyprus 
and  Gyrene,  which,  when  they  were  come  to  Antioch,  spake  unto  the 
Grecians,  preaching  the  Lord  Jesus.  And  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was 
with  them  :  and  a  great  number  believed,  and  turned  unto  the  Lord. 
See  1'sa.  xix.  7-14;  Acts  ii.  37. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


185 


ger/  but  also  of  the  filthiness  and  odiousness  of  his 
sins,™  and  upon  the  apprehension  of  God’s  mercy  in  Christ 
to  such  as  are  penitent, 71  he  so  grieves  for  0  and  hates  his 
sins,P  as  that  he  turns  from  them  all  to  God, Q  purposing 


*Ezek.  xviii.  30,  32.  Therefore  I  will  judge  you,  O  house  of  Israel, 
every  one  according  to  his  ways,  saith  the  Lord  God.  Repent  and 
turn  yourselves  from  all  your  transgressions  ;  so  iniquity  shall  not  be 
your  ruin.— For  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  him  that  dieth, 
r:aith  the  Lord  God:  wherefore  turn  yourselves,  and  live  ye.  Luke  xv. 
17,  18.  And  when  he  came  to  himself,  fre  said,  How  many  hired  ser¬ 
vants  of  my  father’s  have  bread  enough  and  to  spare,  and  Rperish  with 
hunger!  I  will  arise  and  go  to  my  father,  and  will  say  unto  him, 
Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  before  thee. 

m  Ezek.  xxxvi.  31.  Then  shall  ye  remember  your  own  evil  ways, 
and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  shall  loathe  yourselves  in 
your  own  sight  for  your  iniquities  and  for  your  abominations.  Ezek. 
xvi.  61,  63.  Then  thou  shalt  remember  thy  ways,  and  be  ashamed. — 
That  thou  mayest  remember,  and  be  confounded,  and  never  open  thy 
mouth  any  more  because  of  thy  shame.  See  Psa.  li. 

nPsa.  exxx.  3-7.  If  thou,  Lord,  shouldest  mark  iniquities,  O  Lord, 
who  shall  stand?  But  there  is  forgiveness  with  thee,  that  thou  mayest 
be  feared.  I  wait  for  the  Lord,  my  soul  doth  wait,  and  in  his  word 
do  I  hope.  My  soul  waiteth  for  the  Lord  more  than  they  that  watch 
for  the  morning :  I  say,  more  than  they  that  watch  for  the  morning. 
Let  Israel  hope  in  the  Lord:  for  with  the  Lord  there  is  mercy,  and 
with  him  is  plenteous  redemption.  Joel  ii.  12,  13.  Therefore  also 
now,  saith  the  Lord,  turn  ye  even  to  me  with  all  your  heart,  and  with 
fasting,  and  with  weeping,  and  with  mourning:  And  rend  your  heart, 
and  not  your  garments,  and  turn  unto  the  Lord  your  God  :  for  he  is 
gracious  and  merciful,  slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindness,  and  re- 
penteth  him  of  the  evil.  See  Zech.  xii.  10:  Matt.  xxvi.  75. 

0  Jer.  xxxi.  18, 19.  I  have  surely  heard  Ephraim  bemoaning  himself 
thus :  Thou  hast  chastised  me,  and  I  was  chastised,  as  a  bullock  unac¬ 
customed  to  the  yoke:  turn  thou  me,  and  I  shall  be  turned ;  for  thou  art 
the  Lord  my  God.  Surely  after  that  I  was  turned,  I  repented ;  and 
after  that  I  was  instructed,  I  smote  upon  my  thigh :  I  was  ashamed, 
yea,  even  confounded,  because  I  did  bear  the  reproach  of  my 
youth. 

P2Cor.  vii.  11.  For  behold  this  selfsame  thing,  that  ye  sorrowed 
after  a  godly  sort,  what  carefulness  it  wrought  in  you,  yea,  what  clear¬ 
ing  of  yourselves,  yea,  what  indignation,  yea,  what  fear,  yea,  what 
vehement  desire,  yea,  what  zeal,  yea,  what  revenge ! 

i  Acts  xxvi.  18.  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from  darkness 
to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God.  Ezek.  xiv.  6.  Re¬ 
pent,  and  turn  yourselves  from  your  idols ;  and  turn  away  your  faces 
from  all  your  abominations.  1  Kings  viii.  47,  48.  If  they  shall  be¬ 
think  themselves  in  the  land  whither  they  were  carried  captives,  and 


186 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


and  endeavoring  constantly  to  walk  with  him  in  all  the 
ways  of  new  obedience/ 

Q.  77.  Wherein  do  justification  and  sanctification  differ  f 

A.  Although  sanctification  be  inseparably  joined  with 
justification/  yet  they  differ,  in  that  God  in  justification 
imputeth  the  righteousness  of  Christ  /  in  sanctification 
his  Spirit  infusetli  grace,  and  enableth  to  the  exercise 
thereof ; u  in  the  former,  sin  is  pardoned ; w  in  the  other,  it 
is  subdued  ; x  the  one  doth  equally  free  all  believers  from 
the  revenging  wrath  of  God,  and  that  perfectly  in  this 
life,  that  they  never  fall  into  condemnation ;  V  the  other  is 


repent,  and  make  supplication  unto  thee  in  the  land  of  them  that 
carried  them  captives,  saying,  We  have  sinned,  and  have  done  per¬ 
versely,  we  have  committed  wickedness ;  And  so  return  unto  thee 
with  all  their  heart,  and  with  all  their  soul.  See  1  Sam.  vii.  3. 

r  Psa.  cxix.  59, 128.  I  thought  on  my  ways,  and  turned  my  feet  unto 
thy  testimonies. — Therefore  I  esteem  all  thy  precepts  concerning  all 
things  to  he  right ;  and  I  hate  every  false  way.  See  Luke  i.  6.  Rom.  vi. 
17,  18.  But  God  be  thanked,  that  ye  were  the  servants  of  sin,  but  ye 
have  obeyed  from  the  heart  that  form  of  doctrine  which  was  de¬ 
livered  you.  Being  then  made  free  from  sin,  ye  became  the  servants 
of  righteousness.  Luke  xix.  8.  And  Zaccheus  stood,  and  said  unto 
the  Lord ;  Behold,  Lord,  the  half  of  my  goods  I  give  to  the  poor;  and 
if  I  have  taken  any  thing  from  any  man  by  false  accusation,  I  restore 
him  fourfold. 

77. *  *1  Cor.  vi.  11.  And  such  were  some  of  you  :  but  ye  are  washed, 
but  ye  are  sanctified,  but  ye  are  justified  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God.  1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in 
Christ  Jesus,  who  of  God  is  made  unto  us  wisdom,  and  righteousness, 
and  sanctification,  and  redemption. 

*  Rom.  iv.  6,  8.  Even  as  David  also  describeth  the  blessedness  of  the 
man,  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righteousness  without  works. — 
Blessed  is  the  man  to  whom  the  Lord  will  not  impute  sin.  See  2  Cor. 
v.  21 ;  Rom.  iii.  24. 

v  Ezek.  xxxvi.  27.  And  I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you,  and  cause  you 
to  walk  in  my  statutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my  judgments,  and  do  them. 

"  Rom.  iii.  24,  25.  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through  the 
redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus  :  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a 
propitiation  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteousness 
for  the  remission  of  sins  that  are  past. 

*  Rom.  vi.  6, 14.  Knowing  this,  that  our  old  man  is  crucified  with 
him,  that  the  body  of  sin  might  be  destroyed,  that  henceforth  we 
should  not  serve  sin.-  For  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you :  for 
ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 

v  Rom.  viii.  1,  33,  34.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


187 


neither  equal  in  all,2  nor  in  this  life  perfect  in  any,a  but 
growing  up  to  perfection.^ 

Q.  78.  Whence  ariseth  the  imperfection  of  sanctification 
in  believers? 

A.  The  imperfection  of  sanctification  in  believers  aris¬ 
eth  from  the  remnants  of  sin  abiding  in  every  part  of  them, 
and  the  perpetual  lustings  of  the  flesh  against  the  spirit; 
whereby  they  are  often  foiled  with  temptations,  and  fall 
into  many  sins,c  are  hindered  in  all  their  spiritual  ser¬ 
vices,' d  and  their  best  works  are  imperfect  and  defiled  in 
the  sight  of  God.e 


them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus— Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge 
of  God’s  elect  ?  It  is  God  that  justifieth.  Who  is  he  that  condemneth  ? 

z  Heb.  v.  12-14.  For  when  for  the  time  ye  ought  to  be  teachers,  ye 
have  need  that  one  teach  you  again  which  be  the  first  principles  of 
the  oracles  of  God ;  and  are  become  such  as  have  need  of  milk,  and 
not  of  strong  meat.  For  every  one  that  useth  milk  is  unskillful  in  the 
word  of  righteousness :  for  he  is  a  babe.  But  strong  meat  belongeth  to 
them  that  are  of  full  age,  even  those  who  by  reason  of  use  have  their 
senses  exercised  to  discern  both  good  and  evil.  See  1  John  ii.  12-14. 

a  1  John  i.  8, 10.  If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  our¬ 
selves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us.— If  we  say  that  we  have  not  sinned, 
we  make  him  a  liar,  and  his  word  is  not  in  us. 

b  2  Cor.  vii.  1.  Having  therefore  these  promises,  dearly  beloved,  let 
us  cleanse  ourselves  from  all  filthiness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  perfect¬ 
ing  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God.  Phil.  iii.  12-14.  Not  as  though  I  had 
already  attained,  either  were  already  perfect :  but  I  follow  after,  if 
that  I  may  apprehend  that  for  which  also  I  am  apprehended  of  Christ 
Jesus.  Brethren,  I  count  not  myself  to  have  apprehended  :  but  this  one 
thing  I  do,  forgetting  those  things  which  are  behind,  and  reaching 
forth  unto  those  things  which  are  before,  I  press  toward  the  mark  for 
the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

78.  cRom.  vii.  18,  23.  For  I  know  that  in  me  (that  is,  in  my  flesh,) 
dwelleth  no  good  thing :  for  to  will  is  present  with  me ;  but  how  to 
perform  that  which  is  good  I  find  not.— But  I  see  another  law  in  my 
members,  warring  against  the  law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into 
captivity  to  the  law  of  sin  which  is  in  my  members.  See  Mark  xiv. 
66-72;  Gal.  ii.  11,  12. 

dGal.  v.  17.  For  the  flesh  lusteth  against  the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit 
against  the  flesh :  and  these  are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other ;  so  that 
ye  cannot  do  the  things  that  ye  would.  Heb.  xii.  1.  Let  us  lay  aside 
every  weight,  and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset  us. 

cIsa.  Ixiv.  6.  But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  right¬ 
eousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags ;  and  we  all  do  fade  as  a  leaf ;  and  our  in¬ 
iquities,  like  the  wind,  have  taken  us  away.  See  Ex.  xxviii.  38. 


188 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  79.  May  not  true  believers,  by  reason  of  their  imper¬ 
fections,  and  the  many  temptations  and  sins  they  are  over¬ 
taken  with ,  fall  away  from  the  slate  of  grace  f 

A.  True  believers,  by  reason  of  the  unchangeable  love 
of  God,  /  and  his  decree  and  covenant  to  give  them  per- 
severance, 0  their  inseparable  union  with  Christ,1 h  his  con¬ 
tinual  intercession  for  them,* *  and  the  Spirit  and  seed  of 
God  abiding  in  them/  can  neither  totally  nor  finally  fall 
away  from  the  state  of  grace/  but  are  kept  by  the  power 
of  God  through  faith  unto  salvation.™ 

79.  /Jer.  xxxi.  3.  The  Lord  hath  appeared  of  old  unto  me,  saying , 
Yea,  I  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love:  therefore  with  lov¬ 
ingkindness  have  I  drawn  thee.  John  xiii.  1.  Having  loved  his  own 
which  were  in  the  world,  he  loved  them  unto  the  end. 

9  2  Tim.  ii.  19.  Nevertheless  the  foundation  of  God  standeth  sure, 
having  this  seal,  The  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  his.  And,  Let 
every  one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity. 
Heb.  xiii.  20,  21.  Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from  the 
dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the 
blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  Make  you  perfect  in  every  good 
work  to  do  his  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well  pleasing  in  his 
sight,  through  Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 
2  Sam.  xxiii.  5.— Yet  he  hath  made  with  me  an  everlasting  covenant, 
ordered  in  all  things,  and  sure.  See  Isa.  liv.  10. 

h  1  Cor.  i.  8,  9.  Who  shall  also  confirm  you  unto  the  end,  that  ye  may  be 
blameless  in  the  day  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  God  is  faithful,  by  whom 
ye  were  called  unto  the  fellowship  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

t  Heb.  vii.  25.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the  utter¬ 
most  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  inter¬ 
cession  for  them.  Luke  xxii.  32.  But  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy 
faith  fall  not. 

*1  John  iii.  9.  Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not  commit  sin; 
for  his  seed  remaineth  in  him:  and  he  cannot  sin,  because  he  is 
born  of  God.  1  John  ii.  27.  But  the  anointing  which  ye  have  re¬ 
ceived  of  him  abideth  in  you,  and  ye  need  not  that  any  man  teach 
you :  but  as  the  same  anointing  teacheth  you  of  all  things,  and  is  truth., 
and  is  no  lie,  and  even  as  it  hath  taught  you,  ye  shall  abide  in  him. 

i  jer.  xxxii.  40.  And  I  will  make  an  everlasting  covenant  with  them, 
that  I  will  not  turn  away  from  them,  to  do  them  good ;  but  1  will  put 
my  fear  in  their  hearts,  that  they  shall  not  depart  from  me.  John  x. 
28!  And  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life;  and  they  shall  never  perish, 
neither  shall  any  man  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand. 

ml  Pet.  i.  5.  Who  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God  through  faith  unto 
salvation  ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  last  time.  Phil.  i.  C.— He  which 
hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you  will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus 

Christ. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


189 


Q.  80.  Can  true  believers  be  infallibly  assured  that  they 
are  in  the  estate  of  grace ,  and  that  they  shall  persevere  there¬ 
in  unto  salvation  f 

A.  Such  as  truly  believe  in  Christ,  and  endeavor  to 
walk  in  all  good  conscience  before  him,71  may,  without  ex¬ 
traordinary  revelation,  by  faith  grounded  upon  the  truth 
of  God’s  promises,  and  by  the  Spirit  enabling  them  to  dis¬ 
cern  in  themselves  those  graces  to  which  the  promises  of 
life  are  made,0  and  bearing  witness  with  their  spirits  that 
they  are  the  children  of  God,  P  be  infallibly  assured  that 
they  are  in  the  estate  of  grace  and  shall  persevere  there¬ 
in  unto  salvation. Q 

Q.  81.  Are  all  true  believers  at  all  times  assured  of  their 
present  being  in  the  estate  of  grace ,  and  that  they  shall  be 
saved  f 

A.  Assurance  of  grace  and  salvation  not  being  of  the 


80.  n  1  John  ii.  3.  And  hereby  we  do  know  that  we  know  him,  if  we 
keep  his  commandments.  See  Acts  xxiv.  16. 

0 1  Cor.  ii.  12.  Now  we  have  received,  not  the  spirit  of  the  world,  but 
the  Spirit  which  is  of  God ;  that  we  might  know  the  things  that  are 
freely  given  to  us  of  God.  1  John  iv.  13, 16.  Hereby  know  we  that  we 
dwell  in  him,  and  he  in  us,  because  he  hath  given  us  of  his  Spirit.— 
And  we  have  known  and  believed  the  love  that  God  hath  to  ns.  God 
is  love ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in  love  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in 
him.  1  John  iii.  14, 18, 19,  21,  24.  We  know  that  we  have  passed  from 
death  unto  life,  because  we  love  the  brethren.  He  that  loveth  not 
his  brother  abideth  in  death.— My  little  children,  let  us  not  love  in 
word,  neither  in  tongue  ;  but  in  deed  and  in  truth.  And  hereby  we 
know  that  we  are  of  the  truth,  and  shall  assure  our  hearts  before  him. 
—Beloved,  if  our  heart  condemn  us  not,  then  have  we  confidence  to¬ 
ward  God. — And  he  that  keepeth  his  commandments  dwelleth  in  him, 
and  he  in  him.  And  hereby  we  know  that  he  abideth  in  us,  by  the 
Spirit  which  he  hath  given  us.  Heb.  vi.  11,  12.  And  we  desire  that 
every  one  of  you  do  show  the  same  diligence  to  the  full  assurance  of 
hope  unto  the  end :  That  ye  be  not  slothful,  but  followers  of  them 
who  through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  promises. 

p  Rom.  viii.  16.  The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our  spirit, 
that  we  are  the  children  of  God. 

1 1  John  v.  13.  These  things  have  I  written  unto  you  that  believe  on 
the  name  of  the  Son  of  God  ;  that  ye  may  know  that  ye  have  eternal 
life,  and  that  ye  may  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God.  2  Tim. 
i.  12.  I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am  persuaded  that  he  is 
able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  committed  unto  him  against  that  day. 


190 


THE  LARGER  CA TECHISM. 


essence  of  faith/  true  believers  may  wait  long  before  they 
obtain  it ; s  and,  after  the  enjoyment  thereof,  may  have  it 
weakened  and  intermitted,  through  manifold  distempers, 
sins,  temptations,  and  desertions/  yet  are  they  never  left 
without  such  a  presence  and  support  of  the  Spirit  of  God, 
as  keeps  them  from  sinking  into  utter  despair. u 

Q.  82.  What  is  the  communion  in  glory,  which  the  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  invisible  Church  have  with  Christ  f 

A.  The  communion  in  glory,  which  the  members  of  the 
invisible  Church  have  with  Christ,  is  in  this  life,™  imme- 


81.  r2  Pet.  i.  10.  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give  diligence  to 
make  your  calling  and  election  sure:  for  if  ye  do  these  things,  ye 
shall  never  fall. 

« 1  John  v.  13.  These  things  have  I  written  unto  you  that  believe 
on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God ;  that  ye  may  know  that  ye  have  eter¬ 
nal  life,  and  that  ye  may  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God.  See 
Psa.  lxxxviii. 

*  Psa.  lxxvii.  7-9.  Will  the  Lord  cast  off  forever?  and  will  he  be 
favorable  no  more?  Is  his  mercy  clean  gone  for  ever?  doth  his  prom¬ 
ise  fail  for  evermore?  Hath  God  forgotten  to  be  gracious?  hath  he  in 
anger  shut  up  his  tender  mercies?  Psa.  xxii.  1.  My  God,  my  God, 
why  hast  thou  forsaken  me?  why  art  thou  so  far  from  helping  me,  and 
from  the  words  of  my  roaring?  Psa.  xxxi.  22.  For  I  said  in  my  haste, 
I  am  cut  off  from  before  thine  eyes.  See  Psa.  xxx.  6,  7 ;  li.  8, 12. 

uPsa.  lxxiii.  13-15,  23.  Verily  I  have  cleansed  my  heart  in  vain,  and 
washed  my  hands  in  innocency.  For  all  the  day  long  have  I  been 
plagued,  and  chastened  every  morning.  If  I  say,  I  will  speak  thus; 
behold,  I  should  offend  against  the  generation  of  thy  children.— 
Nevertheless  I  am  continually  with  thee:  thou  hast  holden  me  by  my 
right  hand.  1  John  iii.  9.  Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not  com¬ 
mit  sin;  for  his  seed  remaineth  in  him:  and  he  cannot  sin,  because 
he  is  born  of  God.  Isa.  liv.  7-11.  For  a  small  moment  have  I  for¬ 
saken  thee :  but  with  great  mercies  will  I  gather  thee.  In  a  little 
wrath  I  hid  my  face  from  thee  for  a  moment;  but  with  everlasting 
kindness  will  I  have  mercy  on  thee,  saith  the  Lord  thy  Redeemer. 
For  this  is  as  the  waters  of  Noah  unto  me  :  for  as  I  have  sworn  that 
the  waters  of  Noah  should  no  more  go  over  the  earth ;  so  have  I 
sworn  that  I  would  not  be  wroth  with  thee,  nor  rebuke  thee.  For  the 
mountains  shall  depart,  and  the  hills  be  removed;  but  my  kindness 
shall  not  depart  from  thee,  neither  shall  the  covenant  of  my  peace  be 
removed,  saith  the  Lord  that  hath  mercy  on  thee.  O  thou  afflicted, 
tossed  with  tempest,  and  not  comforted,  behold,  I  will  lay  thy  stones 
with  fair  colors,  and  lay  thy  foundations  with  sapphires. 

82.  •"  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  But  we  all,  with  open  face  beholding  as  in  a  glass 
the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the  same  image  from  glory  to 


THE  LA  EGER  CATECHISM. 


191 


Lately  after  deaths  and  at  last  perfected  at  the  resurrec¬ 
tion  and  day  of  judgments 

Q.  83.  What  is  the  communion  in  glory  with  Christ , 
which  the  members  of  the  invisible  Church  enjoy  in  this  life? 

A.  The  members  of  the  invisible  Church  have  commu¬ 
nicated  to  them,  in  this  life,  the  first-fruits  of  glory  with 
Christ,  as  they  are  members  of  him  their  head,  and  so  in 
him  are  interested  in  that  glory  which  he  is  fully  pos¬ 
sessed  of;2  and,  as  an  earnest  thereof,  enjoy  the  sense  of 
God’s  love,a  peace  of  conscience,  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  hope  of  glory.5  As,  on  the  contrary,  sense  of  God’s 
revenging  wrath,  horror  of  conscience,  and  a  fearful  ex¬ 
pectation  of  judgment,  are  to  the  wicked  the  beginning 
of  the  torments  which  they  shall  endure  after  deaths 

Q.  84.  Shall  all  men  die  ? 

A.  Death  being  threatened  as  the  wages  of  sin,d  it  is 

glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.  Col.  iii.  3.  For  ye  are  dead, 
and  your  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God. 

^Luke  xxiii.  43.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Verily  I  say  unto  thee, 
To-day  shalt  thou  he  with  me  in  paradise.  2  Cor.  v.  8.  We  are  con¬ 
fident,  I  say ,  and  willing  rather  to  be  absent  from  the  body,  and  to  be 
present  with  the  Lord. 

y  1  Thess.  iv.  17.  Then  we  which  are  alive  and  remain  shall  be 
caught  up  together  with  them  in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the 
air :  and  so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord. 

83.  z  Eph.  ii.  5,  6.  Even  when  we  were  dead  in  sins,  hath  quickened 
us  together  with  Christ.— And  hath  raised  us  up  together,  and  made 
us  sit  together  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ  Jesus. 

«  Rom.  v.  5.  And  hope  maketh  not  ashamed  ;  because  the  Jove  of 
God  is  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost  which  is  given 
unto  us.  2  Cor.  i.  22.  Who  hath  also  sealed  us,  and  given  the  earnest 
of  the  Spirit  in  our  hearts. 

1  Eom.  v.  1,2.  Therefore  being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace 
with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  By  whom  also  we  have  ac¬ 
cess  by  faith  into  this  grace  wherein  we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope  of 
the  glory  of  God.  Rom.  xiv.  17.  For  the  kingdom  of  God  is  not  meat 
and  drink ;  but  righteousness,  and  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

eGen.  iv.  13.  And  Cain  said  unto  the  Lord,  My  punishment  is 
greater  than  I  can  bear.  Matt,  xxvii.  4. — I  have  sinned  in  that  I 
have  betrayed  the  innocent  blood.  Heb.  x.  27.  But  a  certain  fearful 
looking  for  of  judgment  and  fiery  indignation,  which  shall  devour 
the  adversaries.  Mark  ix.  48.  Where  their  worm  dieth  not,  and  the 
fire  is  *\iot  quenched.  See  Rom.  ii.  9. 

84.  d  *tom.  n.  23.  For  the  wages  of  sin  is  death. 


192 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  die ; e  for  that  all  have 
sinned/ 

Q.  85.  Death  being  the  ivages  of  sin,  why  are  not  the 
righteous  delivered  from  death,  seeing  all  their  sins  are  for - 
given  in  Christ  ? 

A.  The  righteous  shall  be  delivered  from  death  itself  at 
the  last  day,  and  even  in  death  are  delivered  from  the 
sting  and  curse  of  it  ;9  so  that,  although  they  die,  yet  it  is 
out  of  God’s  love/*  to  free  them  perfectly  from  sin  and 
misery/  and  to  make  them  capable  of  further  commu¬ 
nion  with  Christ  in  glory,  which  they  then  enter  upon.* 

Q.  86.  What  is  the  communion  in  glory  with  Christ,  which 
the  members  of  the  invisible  Church  enjoy  immediately  after 
death  ? 

A.  The  communion  in  glory  with  Christ,  which  the 
members  of  the  invisible  Church  enjoy  immediately  after 
death,  is  in  that  their  souls  are  then  made  perfect  in  holiness/ 


e  Heb.  ix.  27.  And  as  it  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die. 

/Rom.  v.  12.  So  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned. 

85.  o  1  Cor.  xv.  26,  55-57.  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed  is 
death. — O  death,  where  is  thy  sting?  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ? 
The  sting  of  death  is  sin ;  and  the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law.  But 
thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  See  Heb.  ii.  15. 

h  Rom.  xiv.  8.  For  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the  Lord ;  and 
whether  we  die,  we  die  unto  the  Lord  :  whether  we  live  therefore,  or 
die,  we  are  the  Lord’s.  Psa.  cxvi.  15.  Precious  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord  is  the  death  of  his  saints. 

<  Rev.  xiv.  13.  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from 
henceforth :  Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their 
labors ;  and  their  works  do  follow  them.  Luke  xvi.  25.  But  Abraham 
said,  Son,  remember  that  thou  in  thy  lifetime  receivedst  thy  good 
things,  and  likewise  Lazarus  evil  things:  but  now  he  is  comforted, 
and  thou  art  tormented. 

k  Luke  xxiii.  43.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Verily,  I  say  unto  thee, 
To  day  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  paradise.  Phil.  i.  23.  For  I  am  in  a 
strait  betwixt  two,  having  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ; 
which  is  far  better. 

86.  1  Acts  vii.  55, 59.  But  he,  being  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  looked  up 
steadfastly  into  heaven,  and  saw  the  glory  of  God,  and  Jesus  standing 
on  the  right  hand  of  God.— And  they  stoned  Stephen,  calling  upon 
God,  and  saying.  Lord  Jesus,  receive  my  spirit.  Rev.  vii.  13, 14.  And 
one  of  the  elders  answered,  saying  unto  me,  What  are  these  which 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


193 


and  received  into  the  highest  heavens, m  where  they  be¬ 
hold  the  face  of  God  in  light  and  glory  ;n  waiting  for 
the  full  redemption  of  their  bodies,0  which  even  in  death 
continue  united  to  Christ, P  and  rest  in  their  graves,  as  in 
their  beds, Q  till  at  the  last  day  they  be  again  united  to 
their  souls.r  Whereas  the  souls  of  the  wicked  are  at  their 
death  cast  into  hell,  where  they  remain  in  torments  and 
utter  darkness;  and  their  bodies  kept  in  their  graves,  as 
in  their  prisons,  until  the  resurrection  and  judgment  of 
the  great  day.s 

are  arrayed  in  white  robes?  and  whence  came  they?  And  I  said  unto 
him,  Sir,  thou  knowest.  And  he  said  to  me,  These  are  they  which 
came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed  their  robes,  and 
made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  Rev.  xix.  8.  And  to  her 
was  granted  that  she  should  be  arrayed  in  fine  linen,  clean  and 
white :  for  the  fine  linen  is  the  righteousness  of  saints. 

m2Cor.  v.  8.  We  are  confident,  I  say,  and  willing  rather  to  be 
absent  from  the  body,  and  to  be  present  with  the  Lord.  Phil.  i.  23. 
For  I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt  two,  having  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be 
with  Christ;  which  is  far  better.  Acts  iii.  21.  Whom  the  heaven 
must  receive  until  the  times  of  restitution  of  all  things,  which  God 
hath  spoken  by  the  mouth  of  all  his  holy  prophets  since  the  world 
began.  Eph.  iv.  10.  He  that  descended  is  the  same  also  that  ascended 
up  far  above  all  heavens,  that  he  might  fill  all  things. 

nRev.  vii.  15.  Therefore  are  they  before  the  throne  of  God,  and 
serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple :  and  he  that  sitteth  on  the 
throne  shall  dwell  among  them.  1  Cor.  xiii.  12.  Now  we  see  through 
a  glass,  darkly  ;  but  then  face  to  face :  now  I  know  in  part ;  but  then 
shall  I  know  even  as  also  I  am  known.  See  Matt.  v.  8. 

"Rom.  viii.  23.  And  not  only  they,  but  ourselves  also,  which  have 
the  firstfruits  of  the  Spirit,  even  we  ourselves  groan  within  ourselves, 
waiting  for  the  adoption,  to  wit,  the  redemption  of  our  body.  Psa. 
xvi.  9.  My  flesh  also  shall  rest  in  hope. 

pRom.  viii.  11.  But  if  the  Spirit  of  him  that  raised  up  Jesus  from 
the  dead  dwell  in  you,  he  that  raised  up  Christ  from  the  dead  shall 
also  quicken  your  mortal  bodies  by  his  Spirit  that  dwelleth  in  you. 
1  Thess.  iv.  16.  For  the  Lord  himself  shall  descend  from  heaven  with 
a  shout,  with  the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God: 
and  the  dead  in  Christ  shall  rise  first. 

9 1  Kings  ii.  10.  So  David  slept  with  his  fathers,  and  was  buried  in 
the  city  of  David.  John  xi.  11.  These  things  said  he  :  and  after  that 
he  saith  unto  them,  Our  friend  Lazarus  sleepeth  ;  but  I  go,  that  T  may 
awake  him  out  of  sleep. 

rl  Thess.  iv.  14.  For  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again, 
even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with  him. 
•Luke  xvi.  23,  24.  And  in  hell  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  being  in  tor- 

13 


194 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  87.  What  are  we  to  believe  concerning  the  remrrection  f 

A.  We  are  to  believe,  that,  at  the  last  day,  there  shall 
be  a  general  resurrection  of  the  dead,  both  of  the  just  and 
unjust : 1  when  they  that  are  then  found  alive  shall  in  a 
moment  be  changed  ;  and  the  selfsame  bodies  of  the  dead 
which  are  laid  in  the  grave,  being  then  again  united  to 
their  souls  for  ever,  shall  be  raised  up  by  the  power  of 
Christ. w  The  bodies  of  the  just,  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ, 
and  by  virtue  of  his  resurrection  as  their  head,  shall  be 
raised  in  power,  spiritual,  and  incorruptible,  and  made 
like  to  his  glorious  body  :w  and  the  bodies  of  the  wicked 
shall  be  raised  up  in  dishonor  by  him  as  an  offended  judge. x 

merits,  and  seeth  Abraham  afar  off,  and  Lazarus  in  his  bosom.  And 
he  cried  and  said,  Father  Abraham,  have  mercy  on  me,  and  send 
Lazarus,  that  he  may  dip  the  tip  of  his  finger  in  water,  and  cool  my 
tongue;  for  I  am  tormented  in  this  flame.  Jude  7.  Even  as  Sodom 
and  Gomorrah,  and  the  cities  about  them  in  like  manner,  giving 
themselves  over  to  fornication  and  going  after  strange  flesh,  are  set 
forth  for  an  example,  suffering  the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire. 

87.  *  Acts  xxiv.  15.  There  shall  be  a  resurrection  of  the  dead,  both 
of  the  just  and  unjust. 

M1  Cor.  xv.  51-53.  Behold,  I  show  you  a  mystery  ;  We  shall  not  all 
sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be  changed,  In  a  moment,  in  the  twinkling  of 
an  eye,  at  the  last  trump:  for  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead 
shall  be  raised  incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be  changed.  For  this  cor¬ 
ruptible  must  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  must  put  on  im¬ 
mortality.  1  Thess.  iv.  15-17.  For  this  we  say  unto  you  by  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  that  we  which  are  alive  and  remain  unto  the  coming  of 
the  Lord  shall  not  prevent  them  which  are  asleep.  For  the  Lord 
himself  shall  descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout,  with  the  voice  of 
the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God:  and  the  dead  in  Christ 
shall  rise  first:  Then  we  which  are  alive  and  remain  shall  be  caught 
up  together  with  them  in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air  :  and 
so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord.  See  John  v.  28,  29. 

w  1  Cor.  xv.  21-23,  42-44.  For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came 
also  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in 
Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive.  But  every  man  in  his  own  order: 
Christ  the  firstfruits  ;  afterward  they  that  are  Christ’s  at  his  coming. 
— So  also  is  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  It  is  sown  in  corruption,  it 
is  raised  in  incorruption  :  It  is  sown  in  dishonor,  it  is  raised  in  glory  : 
it  is  sown  in  weakness,  it  is  raised  in  power:  It  is  sown  a  natural 
body,  it  is  raised  a  spiritual  body.  Phil.  iii.  21.  Who  shall  change 
our  vile  body,  that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious  body. 
See  Dan.  xii.  2. 

*  John  v.  28,  29.  Marvel  not  at  this :  for  the  hour  is  coming,  in  the 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


195 


Q.  88.  What  shall  immediately  follow  after  the  resurrec¬ 
tion  ? 

A.  Immediately  after  the  resurrection  shall  follow  the 
general  and  final  judgment  of  angels  and  men  :V  the  day 
and  hour  whereof  no  man  knoweth,  that  all  may  watch 
and  pray,  and  be  ever  ready  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord.* 2 * * * 6 

Q.  89.  What  shall  be  done  to  the  wicked  at  the  day  of 
judgment  ? 

A.  At  the  day  of  judgment,  the  wicked  shall  be  set  on 
Christ’s  left  hand,a  and,  upon  clear  evidence  and  full  con¬ 
viction  of  their  own  consciences, &  shall  have  the  fearful 
but  just  sentence  of  condemnation  pronounced  against 
them ; c  and  thereupon  shall  be  cast  out  from  the  favor- 


which  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  voice,  And  shall  come 
forth  ;  they  that  have  done  good,  unto  the  resurrection  of  life ;  and 
they  that  have  done  evil,  unto  the  resurrection  of  damnation.  Dan. 
xii.  2.  And  many  of  them  that  sleep  in  the  dust  of  the  earth  shall 
awake,  some  to  everlasting  life,  and  some  to  shame  and  everlasting 
contempt.  See  Matt.  xxv.  33. 

88.  y  Matt.  xvi.  27.  For  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in  the  glory  of 
his  Father  with  his  angels  ;  and  then  he  shall  reward  every  man 
according  to  his  works.  2  Pet.  ii.  4.  For  if  God  spared  not  the  angels 
that  sinned,  but  cast  them  down  to  hell,  and  delivered  them  into  chains 
of  darkness,  to  be  reserved  unto  judgment.  2  Cor.  v.  10.  For  we 
must  all  appear  before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ;  that  every  one 
may  receive  the  things  done  in  his  body,  according  to  that  he  hath 
done,  whether  it  he  good  or  bad. 

2  Matt.  xxiv.  36,  42,  44.  But  of  that  day  and  hour  knoweth  no  man, 

no,  not  the  angels  of  heaven,  but  my  Father  only.— Watch  therefore ; 

for  ye  know  not  what  hour  your  Lord  doth  come.— Therefore  be  ye 
also  ready:  for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not  the  Son  of  man  com- 
eth.  See  Luke  xxi.  35,  36. 

89.  «  Matt.  xxv.  33.  And  he  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his  right  hand, 
but  the  goats  on  the  left. 

6  Matt.  xxii.  12.  And  he  saith  unto  him,  Friend,  how  earnest  thou 
in  hither  not  having  a  wedding  garment?  And  he  was  speechless. 
Luke  xix.  22.  And  he  saith  unto  him,  Out  of  thine  own  mouth  will  I 
judge  thee,  thou  wicked  servant.  Thou  knewest  that  I  was  an  aus¬ 
tere  man,  taking  up  that  I  had  not  down,  and  reaping  that  I  did  not 
sow. 

cMatt.  xxv.  41,  42.  Then  shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on  the  left 
hand,  Depart  from  me.  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  lor 
the  devil  and  his  angels  :  For  I  was  a  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  no 
meat:  I  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  no  drink. 


196 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


able  presence  of  God,  and  the  glorious  fellowship  with 
Christ,  his  saints,  and  all  his  holy  angels,  into  hell,  to  be 
punished  with  unspeakable  torments  both  of  body  and 
soul,  with  the  devil  and  his  angels  for  ever.d 

Q.  90.  What  shall  be  done  to  the  righteous  at  the  day  of 
judgment  ? 

A.  At  the  day  of  judgment,  the  righteous,  being  caught 
up  to  Christ  in  the  clouds ;  e  shall  be  set  on  his  right  hand, 
and  there  openly  acknowledged  and  acquitted:/  shall  join 
with  him  in  the  judging  of  reprobate  angels  and  men:# 
and  shall  be  received  into  heaven,* *  where  they  shall  be 
fullv  and  for  ever  freed  from  all  sin  and  miserv  ;  *  filled 
with  inconceivable  joys ;  k  made  perfectly  holy  and  happy 
both  in  body  and  soul,  in  the  company  of  innumerable 
saints  and  angels ; 1  but  especially  in  the  immediate  vision 


d  Matt.  xxv.  46.  And  these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punish¬ 
ment.  2  Thess.  i.  8,  9.  In  flaming  fire  taking  vengeance  on  them  that 
know  not  God,  and  that  obey  not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ : 
Who  shall  be  punished  with  everlasting  destruction  from  the  pres¬ 
ence  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his  power.  See  Luke  xvi.  26; 
Mark  ix.  43. 

90.  « 1  Thess.  iv.  17.  Then  we  which  are  alive  and  remain  shall  be 
caught  up  together  with  them  in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the 
air :  and  so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord. 

/Matt.  xxv.  33.  And  he  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his  right  hand.  Matt, 
x.  32.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  confess  me  before  men,  him  will  I 
confess  also  before  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

1  Cor.  vi.  2,  3.  Do  ye  not  know  that  the  saints  shall  judge  the 
world  ?  and  if  the  world  shall  be  judged  by  you,  are  ye  unworthy  to 
judge  the  smallest  matters?  Know  ye  not  that  we  shall  judge 
angels?  how  much  more  things  that  pertain  to  this  life? 

n  Matt.  xxv.  34,  46.  Then  shall  the  King  say  unto  them  on  his  right 
hand,  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared 
for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.— But  the  righteous  into 
life  eternal. 

* Eph.  v.  27.  That  he  might  present  it  to  himself  a  glorious  church, 
not  having  spot,  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing;  but  that  it  should  be 
holy  and  without  blemish.  See  Rev.  xiv.  13. 

*  Psa.  xvi.  11.  Thou  wilt  show  me  the  path  of  life :  in  thy  presence 
is  fullness  of  joy;  at  thy  right  hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

1  Heb.  xii.  22,  23.  But  ye  are  come  unto  mount  Sion,  and  unto  the 
city  of  the  living  God,  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumer¬ 
able  company  of  angels,  To  the  general  assembly  and  church  of  the 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


197 


and  fruition  of  God  the  Father,  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  all  eternity.771  And  this  is  the 
perfect  and  full  communion,  which  the  members  of  the 
invisible  Church  shall  enjoy  with  Christ  in  glory,  at  the 
resurrection  and  day  of  judgment. 


Having  seen  what  the  Scriptures  'principally  teach  us  to 
believe  concerning  God ,  it  follows  to  consider  what  they 
require  as  the  duty  of  man. 

Q.  91.  What  is  the  duty  ivhich  God.  requireth  of  man  ? 

A.  The  duty  which  God  requireth  of  man  is  obedience 
to  his  revealed  will.71 

Q.  92.  What  did  God  at  first  reveal  unto  man  as  the  rule 
p f  his  obedience? 

A.  The  rule  of  obedience  revealed  to  Adam  in  the  es¬ 
tate  of  innocence,  and  to  all  mankind  in  him,  beside  a 
special  command,  not  to  eat  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree  of  the 
knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  was  the  moral  law.0 

firstborn,  which  are  written  in  heaven,  and  to  God  the  Judge  of  all, 
and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect. 

ml  John  iii.  2.  Beloved,  now  are  we  the  sons  of  God,  and  it  doth 
not  yet  appear  what  we  shall  be  :  but  we  know'  that,  when  he  shall 
appear,  we  shall  be  like  him ;  for  vre  shall  see  him  as  he  is.  1  Cor. 
xiii.  12.  For  now  we  see  through  a  glass,  darkly  ;  but  then  face  to 
face  :  now  I  know  in  part ;  but  then  shall  I  know  even  as  also  I  am 
knowTn.  1  Thess.  iv.  17,  18.  So  shall  wre  ever  be  with  the  Lord. 
Wherefore  comfort  one  another  with  these  words.  See  Rev.  xxii.  3-5. 

91.  nDeut.  xxix.  29.  The  secret  things  belong  unto  the  Lord  our 
God :  but  those  things  which  are  revealed  belong  unto  us  and  to  our 
children  for  ever,  that  we  may  do  all  the  words  of  this  lawr.  Micah 
vi.  8.  He  hath  showed  thee,  O  man,  w  hat  is  good ;  and  wrhat  doth  the 
I  okd  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  wTalk 
humbly  w'ith  thy  God?  1  Sam.  xv.  22.  And  Samuel  said,  Hath  the 
Lord  as  great  delight  in  burnt  offerings  and  sacrifices,  as  in  obeying 
the  voice  of  the  Lord?  Behold,  to  obey  is  better  than  sacrifice,  and 
to  hearken  than  the  fat  of  rams. 

92.  °Gen.  i.  27.  So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  image 
of  God  created  he  him  ;  male  and  female  created  he  them.  Rom.  x. 
5.  For  Moses  describeth  the  righteousness  w'hich  is  of  the  lawr,  That 
the  man  which  doeth  those  things  shall  live  by  them.  Rom.  ii.  14,  15. 


198 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 

Q.  93.  What  is  the  moral  law  ? 

A.  The  moral  law  is  the  declaration  of  the  will  of  God 
to  mankind,  directing  and  binding  every  one  to  personal, 
perfect,  and  perpetual  conformity  and  obedience  there¬ 
unto,  in  the  frame  and  disposition  of  the  whole  man,  soul 
and  body,P  and  in  performance  of  all  those  duties  of  holi¬ 
ness  and  righteousness  which  he  oweth  to  God  and  man :  7 
promising  life  upon  the  fulfilling,  and  threatening  death 
upon  the  breach  of  it/ 

Q.  94.  Is  there  any  use  of  the  moral  law  to  man  since  the 
fall  f 

A.  Although  no  man  since  the  fall  can  attain  to  right¬ 
eousness  and  life  by  the  moral  law  ; s  yet  there  is  great 

For  when  the  Gentiles,  which  have  not  the  law,  do  by  nature  the 
things  contained  in  the  law,  these,  having  not  the  law,  are  a  law  unto 
themselves  :  Which  show  the  work  of  the  law  written  in  their  hearts, 
their  conscience  also  bearing  witness,  and  their  thoughts  the  mean 
while  accusing  or  else  excusing  one  another.  Gen.  ii.  17.  But  of  the 
tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it:  for 
in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die. 

93.  pDeut.  v.  1,  31,  33.  Hear,  O  Israel,  the  statutes  and  judgments 
which  I  speak  in  your  ears  this  day,  that  ye  may  learn  them,  and 
keep  and  do  them.— I  will  speak  unto  thee  all  the  commandments, 
and  the  statutes,  and  the  judgments,  which  thou  shalt  teach  them, 
that  they  may  do  them— Ye  shall  walk  in  all  the  ways  wThich  the 
Lord  your  God  hath  commanded  you.  Luke  x.  26-28.  What  is 
written  in  the  law?  how  readest  thou  ?  And  he  answering  said,  Thou 
shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul, 
and  with  all  thy  strength,  and  with  all  thy  mind;  and  thy  neighbor 
as  thyself.  And  he  said  unto  him,  Thou  hast  answered  right:  this 
do,  and  thou  shalt  live.  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works 
of  the  law  are  under  the  curse :  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one 
that  continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
law  to  do  them.  1  Thess.  v.  23.  I  pray  God  your  whole  spirit  and  soul 
and  body  be  preserved  blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

?  Luke  i.  75.  In  holiness  and  righteousness  before  him,  all  the  days 
of  our  life.  Acts  xxiv.  16.  And  herein  do  I  exercise  myself,  to  have 
always  a  conscience  void  of  offence  toward  God,  and  toieard  men. 

r  Rom.  x.  5.  The  man  which  doeth  those  things  shall  live  by  them. 
Gal.  iii.  10.  Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things 
which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 

94.  •  Rom.  viii.  3.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak 
through  the  flesh,  God  sending  his  own  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful 
flesh,  and  for  sin,  condemned  sin  in  the  flesh.  Gal.  ii.  16.  Knowing 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


199 


use  thereof,  as  well  common  to  all  men,  as  peculiar  either 
to  the  unregenerate,  or  the  regenerated 

Q.  95.  Of  whai  use  is  the  moral  law  to  all  men  t 
A.  The  moral  law  is  of  use  to  all  men,  to  inform  them 
of  the  holy  nature  and  will  of  God,®  and  of  their  duty 
binding  them  to  walk  accordingly  ; w  to  convince  them  of 
their  disability  to  keep  it,  and  of  the  sinful  pollution  of 
their  nature,  hearts,  and  lives ; x  to  humble  them  in  the 
sense  of  their  sin  and  misery, v  and  thereby  help  them  to 
a  clearer  sight  of  the  need  they  have  of  Christ/  and  of  the 
perfection  of  his  obedience.® 

that  a  man  is  not  justified  by  the  works  of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith 
of  Jesus  Christ,  even  we  have  believed  in  Jesus  Christ,  that  we  might 
be  justified  by  the  faith  of  Christ,  and  not  by  the  works  of  the  law : 
for  by  the  works  of  the  law  shall  no  flesh  be  justified. 

1 1  Tim.  i.  8.  But  we  know  that  the  law  is  good,  if  a  man  use  it  law¬ 
fully. 

95.  M  Lt>v.  xx.  7,  8.  Sanctify  yourselves  therefore,  and  be  ye  holy : 
for  I  am  the  Lord  your  God.  And  ye  shall  keep  my  statutes,  and  do 
them :  I  am  the  Lord  which  sanctify  you.  Rom.  vii.  12.  Wherefore 
the  law  is  holy,  and  the  commandment  holy,  and  just,  and  good. 

w  James  ii.  10.  For  whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet 
offend  in  one  point ,  he  is  guilty  of  all.  Micah  vi.  8.  What  doth  the 
Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk 
humbly  with  thy  God. 

*  Psa.  xix.  11, 12.  Moreover  by  them  is  thy  servant  warned  :  and  in 
keeping  of  them  there  is  great  reward.  Who  can  understand  his 
errors?  cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  faults.  Rom.  iii.  20.  Therefore 
by  the  deeds  of  the  law  there  shall  no  flesh  be  justified  in  his  sight: 
for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin.  Rom.  vii.  7.  I  had  not 
known  sin,  but  by  the  law  :  for  I  had  not  known  lust,  except  the  law 
had  said,  Thou  shalt  not  covet. 

s' Rom.  iii.  9,  23.  What  then?  Are  we  better  than  they?  No,  in  no 
wise ;  for  we  have  before  proved  both  Jews  and  Gentiles,  that  they 
are  all  under  sin. — For  all  have  sinned  and  come  short  of  the  glory 
of  God.  Rom.  vii.  9, 13.  When  the  commandment  came,  sin  revived, 
and  I  died.— That  sin  by  the  commandment  might  become  exceeding 
sinful. 

*  Gal.  iii.  21,  22.  Is  the  law  then  against  the  promises  of  God  ?  God 
forbid :  for  if  there  had  been  a  law  given  which  could  have  given 
life,  verily  righteousness  should  have  been  by  the  law.  But  the  Scrip¬ 
ture  hath  concluded  all  under  sin,  that  the  promise  by  faith  of  Jesus 
Christ  might  be  given  to  them  that  believe. 

aRom.  x.  4.  For  Christ  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to 
every  one  that  believeth. 


200 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  96.  What  particular  use  is  there  of  the  moral  law  to 
unregenerale  men  ? 

A.  The  moral  law  is  of  use  to  unregenerate  men,  to 
awaken  their  consciences  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,5 
and  to  drive  them  to  Christ;  c  or,  upon  their  continuance 
in  the  estate  and  way  of  sin,  to  leave  them  inexcusable,1 d 
and  under  the  curse  thereof.6 

Q.  97.  What  special  use  is  there  of  the  moral  law  to  the 
regenerate  f 

A.  Although  they  that  are  regenerate  and  believe  in 
Christ,  be  delivered  from  the  moral  law  as  a  covenant  of 
works/ so  as  thereby  they  are  neither  justified  0  nor  con¬ 
demned  :  h  yet,  beside  the  general  uses  thereof  common  to 


96.  h  1  Tim.  i.  9, 10.  Knowing  this,  that  the  law  is  not  made  for  a 
righteous  man,  but  for  the  lawless  and  disobedient,  for  the  ungodly 
and  for  sinners,  for  unholy  and  profane,  for  murderers  of  fathers  and 
murderers  of  mothers,  for  manslayers,  For  whoremongers,  for  them 
that  defile  themselves  with  mankind,  for  menstealers,  for  liars,  for 
perjured  persons,  and  if  there  be  any  other  thing  that  is  contrary  to 
sound  doctrine. 

cGal.  iii.  24.  Wherefore  the  law  was  our  schoolmaster  to  bring  us 
unto  Christ,  that  we  might  be  justified  by  faith. 

dRom.  i.  20.  For  the  invisible  things  of  him  from  the  creation  of 
the  world  are  clearly  seen,  being  understood  by  the  things  that  are 
made,  even  his  eternal  power  and  Godhead ;  so  that  they  are  without 
excuse.  See  Rom.  ii.  15. 

•  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law  are  under 
the  curse. 

97.  /Rom.  vi.  14.  For  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you :  for  ye 
are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace.  Rom.  vii.  4,  6.  Wherefore, 
my  brethren,  ye  also  are  become  dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of 
Christ ;  that  ye  should  be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  who  is 
raised  from  the  dead,  that  we  should  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God.— But 
now  we  are  delivered  from  the  law,  that  being  dead  wherein  we  were 
held  ;  that  we  should  serve  in  newness  of  spirit,  and  not  in  the  old¬ 
ness  of  the  letter.  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  But  when  the  fullness  of  the  time 
was  come,  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the 
1m  w,  To  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive 
the  adoption  of  sons. 

g  Rom.  iii.  20.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law  there  shall  no  flesh 
be  justified  in  his  sight. 

a  Rom.  viii.  1,  34.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them 
which  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the 
Spirit.— Who  is  he  that  condemneth?  It  is  Christ  that  died,  yea 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


201 


them  with  all  men,  it  is  of  special  use  to  show  them  how 
much  they  are  bound  to  Christ  for  his  fulfilling  it,  and  en¬ 
during  the  curse  thereof  in  their  stead  and  for  their 
good ; i  and  thereby  to  provoke  them  to  more  thankful¬ 
ness,* *  and  to  express  the  same  in  their  greater  care  to  con¬ 
form  themselves  thereunto  as  the  rule  of  their  obedience.^ 

Q.  98.  Wherein  is  the  moral  law  summarily  compre¬ 
hended  ? 

A.  The  moral  law  is  summarily  comprehended  in  the 
ten  commandments,  which  were  delivered  by  the  voice 
of  God  upon  mount  Sinai,  and  written  by  him  on  two 
tables  of  stone ; m  and  are  recorded  in  the  twentieth 

rather,  that  is  risen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who 
also  maketh  intercession  for  us. 

» Rom.  vii.  24,  25.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who  shall  deliver  me 
from  the  body  of  this  death  ?  I  thank  God  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  So  then  with  the  mind  I  myself  serve  the  law  of  God ;  but 
with  the  flesh  the  law  of  sin.  Gal.  iii.  13, 14.  Christ  hath  redeemed 
us  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curse  for  us:  for  it  is 
written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree :  That  the  bless¬ 
ing  of  Abraham  might  come  on  the  Gentiles  through  Jesus  Christ; 
that  we  might  receive  the  promise  of  the  Spirit  through  faith.  Rom. 
viii.  3,  4.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through 
the  flesh,  God  sending  his  own  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and 
for  sin,  condemned  sin  in  the  flesh ;  That  the  righteousness  of  the 
law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us.  2  Cor.  v.  21.  For  he  hath  made  him  to 
be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin :  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteous¬ 
ness  of  God  in  him. 

*  Col.  i.  12-14.  Giving  thanks  unto  the  Father,  which  hath  made 
us  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light :  Who 
hath  delivered  us  from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  hath  translated  us 
into  the  kingdom  of  his  dear  Son :  In  whom  we  have  redemption 
through  his  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins.  See  Luke  i.  68,  69,  74, 
75. 

1  Rom.  vii.  22.  For  I  delight  in  the  law  of  God  after  the  inward 
man.  Rom.  xii.  2.  And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world :  but  be  ye 
transformed  by  the  renewing  of  your  mind,  that  ye  may  prove  what 
is  that  good,  and  acceptable,  and  perfect  will  of  God.  Tit.  ii.  11-14. 
For  the  grace  of  God  that  bringeth  salvation  hath  appeared  to  all 
men,  Teaching  us,  that,  denying  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  we 
should  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  present  world; 
Looking  for  that  blessed  hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing  of  the 
great  God  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ;  Who  gave  himself  for  us, 
that  he  might  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  himself  a 
peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works. 

98.  »  Deut.  x.  4.  And  he  wrote  on  the  tables,  according  to  the  first 


202 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


chapter  of  Exodus :  the  first  four  commandments  com 
taining  our  duty  to  God,  and  the  other  six  our  duty  to 
man.71 

Q.  99.  What  rules  are  to  he  observed  for  the  right  under¬ 
standing  of  the  ten  commandments  ? 

A.  For  the  right  understanding  of  the  ten  command¬ 
ments,  these  rules  are  to  be  observed  : — 

1.  That  the  law  is  perfect,  and  bindeth  every  one  to  full 
conformity  in  the  whole  man  unto  the  righteousness  there¬ 
of,  and  unto  entire  obedience  for  ever;  so  as  to  require  the 
utmost  perfection  of  every  duty,  and  to  forbid  the  least 
degree  of  every  sin.0 

2.  That  it  is  spiritual,  and  so  reacheth  the  understand¬ 
ing,  will,  affections,  and  all  other  powers  of  the  soul ;  as 
well  as  words,  works,  and  gestures.?7 


writing,  the  ten  commandments,  which  the  Lord  spake  unto  you  in 
the  mount,  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire,  in  the  day  of  the  assembly : 
and  the  Lord  gave  them  unto  me.  See  Ex.  xxxiv.  1-4. 

n  Matt.  xxii.  37-40.  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment.  And  the  second  is 
like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  On  these  two 
commandments  hang  all  the  law  and  the  prophets. 

99.  0  Psa.  xix.  7.  The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the 
soul :  the  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple. 
James  ii.  10.  For  whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet  offend 
in  one  point ,  he  is  guilty  of  all.  Matt.  v.  21,  22.  Ye  have  heard  that 
it  was  said  by  them  of  old  time,  Thou  shalt  not  kill ;  and  whosoever 
shall  kill  shall  be  in  danger  of  the  judgment:  But  I  say  unto  you, 
That  whosoever  is  angry  with  his  brother  without  a  cause  shall  be  in 
danger  of  the  judgment:  and  wiiosoever  shall  say  to  his  brother, 
Raca,  shall  be  in  danger  of  the  council :  but  whosoever  shall  say, 
Thou  fool,  shall  be  in  danger  of  hell  fire. 

p  Rom.  vii.  14.  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  spiritual :  but  I  am 
carnal,  sold  under  sin.  Deut.  vi.  5.  And  thou  shalt  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
might.  'Matt.  xxii.  37-39.  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all 
thy  mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment.  And  the  second 
is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  Matt.  xii. 
36,  37.  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  every  idle  word  that  men  shall  speak, 
they  shall  give  account  thereof  in  the  day  of  judgment.  For  by  thy 
words  thou  shalt  be  justified,  and  by  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  conr 
demned.  See  Matt.  v.  27-18. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


203 


3.  That  one  and  the  same  thing,  in  divers  respects,  is 
required  or  forbidden  in  several  commandments. 

4.  That  as,  where  a  duty  is  commanded,  the  contrary  sin 
is  forbidden  ;r  and,  where  a  sin  is  forbidden,  the  contrary 
duty  is  commanded : s  so,  where  a  promise  is  annexed,  the 
contrary  threatening  is  included ; 1  and,  where  a  threaten¬ 
ing  is  annexed,  the  contrary  promise  is  included. w 

5.  That  what  God  forbids,  is  at  no  time  to  be  done ;  w 


9  Col.  iii.  5.  Mortify  therefore  your  members  which  are  upon  the 
earth;  fornication,  uncleanness,  inordinate  affection,  evil  concupis¬ 
cence,  and  covetousness,  which  is  idolatry.  1  Tim.  vi.  10.  For  the 
love  of  money  is  the  root  of  all  evil :  which  while  some  coveted  after, 
they  have  erred  from  the  faith,  and  pierced  themselves  through  with 
many  sorrows.  Prov.  i.  19.  So  are  the  ways  of  every  one  that  is 
greedy  of  gain ;  which  taketh  away  the  life  of  the  owners  thereof. 
Amos  viii.  5.  Saying,  When  will  the  new  moon  be  gone,  that  we  may 
sell  corn?  and  the  sabbath,  that  we  may  set  forth  wheat,  making  the 
ephah  small,  and  the  shekel  great,  and  falsifying  the  balances  by 
deceit? 

rIsa.  lviii.  13.  If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  sabbath,  from 
doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day ;  and  call  the  sabbath  a  delight, 
the  holy  of  the  Lord,  honorable;  and  shalt  honor  him,  not  doing 
thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own  pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine 
own  words.  Matt.  xv.  4-6.  For  God  commanded,  saying,  Honor  thy 
father  and  mother :  and,  He  that  curseth  father  or  mother,  let  him  die 
the  death.  But  ye  say,  Whosoever  shall  say  to  his  father  or  his 
mother,  It  is  a  gift,  by  whatsoever  thou  mightest  be  profited  by  me ; 
And  honor  not  his  father  or  his  mother,  he  shall  be  free.  Thus  have  ye 
made  the  commandment  of  God  of  none  effect  by  your  tradition. 
See  Deut.  vi.  13 :  Matt.  iv.  9,  10. 

*  Eph.  iv.  28.  Let  him  that  stole  steal  no  more ;  but  rather  let  him 
labor,  working  with  his  hands  the  thing  which  is  good,  that  he  may 
have  to  give  to  him  that  needeth. 

<Ex.  xx.  12.  Llonor  thy  father  and  thy  mother:  that  thy  days  may 
be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee.  Prov. 
xxx.  17.  The  eye  that  mocketh  at  his  father,  and  despiseth  to  obey  his 
mother,  the  ravens  of  the  valley  shall  pick  it  out,  and  the  young 
eagles  shall  eat  it. 

u  Jer.  xviii.  7,  8.  At  what  instant  I  shall  speak  concerning  a  nation, 
and  concerning  a  kingdom,  to  pluck  up,  and  to  pull  down,  and  to  do- 
stroy  it;  If  that  nation,  against  whom  I  have  pronounced,  turn  from 
their  evil,  I  will  repent  of  the  evil  that  I  thought  to  do  unto  them. 
Ex.  xx.  7.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in 
vain  :  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name 
in  vain.  See  Psa.  xv.  1,  4,  5 ;  xxiv.  4,  4. 

“'Rom.  iii.  8.  And  not  rather ,  (as  we  be  slanderously  reported,  and 


204 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


what  he  commands  is  always  our  duty;^  and  yet  every 
particular  duty  is  not  to  be  done  at  all  times.2/ 

6.  That,  under  one  sin  or  duty,  all  of  the  same  kind  are 
forbidden  or  commanded ;  together  with  all  the  causes, 
means,  occasions,  and  appearances  thereof,  and  provoca¬ 
tions  thereunto.3 

7.  That  what  is  forbidden  or  commanded  to  ourselves, 
we  are  bound,  according  to  our  places,  to  endeavor  that  it 
may  be  avoided  or  performed  by  others,  according  to  the 
duty  of  their  places.® 

as  some  affirm  that  we  say,)  Let  us  do  evil,  that  good  may  come? 
whose  damnation  is  just.  Heb.  xi.  25.  Choosing  rather  to  suffer 
affliction  with  the  people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin 
for  a  season. 

*  Deut.  iv.  9.  Only  take  heed  to  thyself,  and  keep  thy  soul  dili¬ 
gently,  lest  thou  forget  the  things  which  thine  eyes  have  seen,  and 
lest  they  depart  from  thine  heart  all  the  days  of  thy  life ;  but  teach 
them  thy  sons,  and  thy  sons’  sons. 

v  Matt.  xii.  7.  But  if  ye  had  known  what  this  meaneth,  I  will  have 
mercy,  and  not  sacrifice,  ye  wrould  not  have  condemned  the  guiltless. 
Mark  xiv.  7.  For  ye  have  the  poor  with  you  always,  and  whensoever 
ye  will  ye  may  do  them  good :  but  me  ye  have  not  always. 

2  Heb.  x.  24,  25.  And  let  us  consider  one  another  to  provoke  unto 
love  and  to  good  works:  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  ourselves 
together,  as  the  manner  of  some  is;  but  exhorting  one  another :  and  so 
much  the  more,  as  ye  see  the  day  approaching.  1  Thess.  v.  22.  Ab¬ 
stain  from  all  appearance  of  evil.  Gal.  v.  26.  Let  us  not  be  desirous 
of  vainglory,  provoking  one  another,  envying  one  another.  Col.  iii. 
21.  Fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to  anger ,  lest  they  be  discour¬ 
aged.  Jude  23.  And  others  save  with  fear,  pulling  them  out  of  the 
fire ;  hating  even  the  garment  spotted  by  the  flesh. 

aEx.  xx.  10.  But  the  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy 
God:  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy 
daughter,  thy  manservant,  nor  thy  maidservant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor 
thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates.  Lev.  xix.  17.  Thou  shalt  not 
hate  thy  brother  in  thine  heart :  thou  shalt  in  any  wise  rebuke  thy 
neighbor,  and  not  suffer  sin  upon  him.  Gen.  xviii.  19.  For  I  know 
him,  that  he  will  command  his  children  and  his  household  after  him, 
and  they  shall  keep  the  way  of  the  Lord,  to  do  justice  and  judgment. 
Deut.  vi.  6,  7.  And  these  words,  which  I  command  thee  this  day, 
shall  be  in  thine  heart :  And  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto 
thy  children,  and  shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine  house, 
and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and 
when  thou  risest  up.  Josh.  xxiv.  15.  And  if  it  seem  evil  unto  you  to 
serve  the  Lord,  choose  you  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve ;  whether 
the  gods  w  hich  your  fathers  served  that  were  on  the  other  side  of  the 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


205 


8.  That  in  what  is  commanded  to  others,  we  are  bound, 
according  to  our  places  and  callings,  to  be  helpful  to 
them;  b  and  to  take  heed  of  partaking  with  others  in  what 
is  forbidden  them.c 

Q.  100.  What  special  things  are  we  to  consider  in  the  ten 
commandments  ? 

A.  We  are  to  consider  in  the  ten  commandments,  the 
preface,  the  substance  of  the  commandments  themselves, 
and  the  several  reasons  annexed  to  some  of  them  the  more 
to  enforce  them. 

Q.  101.  What  is  the  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  ? 

A.  The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  is  contained 
in  these  words,  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God ,  which  have  brought 
thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt ,  out  of  the  house  of  bondage A 
Wherein  God  manifesteth  his  sovereignty,  as  being  Jeho¬ 
vah,  the  eternal,  immutable,  and  almighty  God ;  e  having 
his  being  in  and  of  himself/  and  giving  being  to  all  his 
words  9  and  works  : h  and  that  he  is  a  God  in  covenant,  as 
with  Israel  of  old,  so  with  all  his  people/  who,  as  he 

flood,  or  the  gods  of  the  Araorites,  in  whose  land  ye  dwell :  but  as 
for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord. 

6  2  Cor.  i.  24.  Not  for  that  we  have  dominion  over  your  faith,  but 
are  helpers  of  your  joy :  for  by  faith  ye  stand. 

C1  Tim.  v.  22.  Lay  hands  suddenly  on  no  man,  neither  be  partakers 
of  other  men’s  sins :  keep  thyself  pure.  Eph.  v.  11.  And  have  no  fel¬ 
lowship  with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darkness,  but  rather  reprove 
them. 

101.  dEx.  xx.  2. 

eIsa.  xliv.  6.  Thus  saith  the  Lord  the  King  of  Israel,  and  his  Re¬ 
deemer  the  Lord  of  hosts  ;  I  am  the  first,  and  I  am  the  last ;  and  be¬ 
sides  me  there  is  no  God. 

f  Ex.  iii.  14.  And  God  said  unto  Moses,  I  AM  THAT  I  AM :  and  he 
said,  Thus  shalt  thou  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  I  AM  hath  sent 
me  unto  you. 

tfEx.  vi.  3.  And  I  appeared  unto  Abraham,  unto  Isaac,  and  unto 
Jacob,  by  the  name  of  God  Almighty ;  but  by  my  name  JEHOVAH  was 
I  not  known  to  them. 

h  Acts  xvii.  24,  28.  God  that  made  the  world  and  all  things  therein, 
seeing  that  he  is  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth  not  in  temples 
made  with  hands.— For  in  him  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our 
being. 

4  Gen.  xvii.  7.  And  I  will  establish  my  covenant  between  me  and 
thee,  and  thy  seed  after  thee  in  their  generations,  for  an  everlasting 


206 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


brought  them  out  of  their  bondage  in  Egypt,  so  he  deliv¬ 
ered  us  from  our  spiritual  thraldom  :k  and  that  therefore 
we  are  bound  to  take  him  for  our  God  alone,  and  to  keep 
all  his  commandments.* * 

Q.  102.  What  is  the  sum  of  the  four  commandments  which 
contain  our  duty  to  God  ? 

A.  The  sum  of  the  four  commandments  containing  our 
duty  to  God,  is  to  love  the  Lord  our  God  with  all  our 
heart,  and  with  all  our  soul,  and  with  all  our  strength,  and 
with  all  our  mind.m 

Q.  103.  Which  is  the  first  commandment  f 

A.  The  first  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  have  no  other 
gods  before  me.71 

Q.  104.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  first  command¬ 
ment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  first  commandment  are, 
the  knowing  and  acknowledging  of  God  to  be  the  only 
true  God,  and  our  God ;  0  and  to  worship  and  glorify  him 

covenant,  to  be  a  God  unto  thee  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee.  Rom.  iii. 
29.  Is  he  the  God  of  the  Jews  only?  is  he  not  also  of  the  Gentiles? 
Yes,  of  the  Gentiles  also. 

*Luke  i.  74,  75.  That  he  would  grant  unto  us,  that  we,  being  deliv¬ 
ered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  might  serve  him  without  fear, 
In  holiness  and  righteousness  before  him,  all  the  days  of  our  life. 

1 1  Pet.  i.  15-18.  But  as  he  which  hath  called  you  is  holy,  so  be  ye 
holy  in  all  manner  of  conversation;  Because  it  is  written,  Be  ye 
holy;  for  I  am  holy.  And  if  ye  call  on  the  Father,  who  without  re¬ 
spect  of  persons  judgeth  according  to  every  man’s  work,  pass  the  time 
of  your  sojourning  here  in  fear:  Forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were 
not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things,  as  silver  and  gold,  from  your 
vain  conversation  received  by  tradition  from  your  fathers.  See  Lev. 
xix.  2,  36,  37. 

102.  m  Luke  x.  27.  And  he  answering  said  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
strength,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 

103.  n  Ex.  xx.  3. 

104.  °1  Chron.  xxviii.  9.  And  thou,  Solomon  my  son,  know  thou  the 
God  of  thy  father,  and  serve  him  with  a  perfect  heart  and  with  a  will¬ 
ing  mind.  Deut.  xxvi.  17.  Thou  hast  avouched  the  Lord  this  day  to 
be  thy  God.  Isa.  xliii.  10.  Ye  are  my  witnesses,  saith  the  Lord,  and 
my  servant  whom  I  have  chosen ;  that  ye  may  know  and  believe  me, 
and  understand  that  I  am  he:  before  me  there  was  no  God  formed, 
neither  shall  there  be  after  me.  See  Jer.  xiv.  22. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


207 


accordingly ,P  by  thinking/  meditating/  remembering/ 
highly  esteeming/  honoring; u  adoring, w  choosing/  lov¬ 
ing/  desiring/  fearing  of  him  ;  a  believing  him  ;  b  trust¬ 
ing/  hoping/  delighting/  rejoicing  in  him  ;/  being  zeal¬ 
ous  for  him  ;  0  calling  upon  him  ;  giving  all  praise  and 

p  Psa.  xcv.  6,  7.  O  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down  :  let  us  kneel 
before  the  Lord  our  maker.  For  he  is  our  God ;  and  we  are  the  people 
of  his  pasture,  and  the  sheep  of  his  hand.  Matt.  iv.  10.  Then  saith 
Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee  hence,  Satan :  for  it  is  written,  Thou  shalt 
worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve.  Psa.  xxix. 
2.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto  his  name ;  worship  the 
Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holiness. 

9  Mai.  iii.  16.  Then  they  that  feared  the  Lord  spake  often  one  to  an¬ 
other  :  and  the  Lord  hearkened,  and  heard  it,  and  a  book  of  remem¬ 
brance  was  written  before  him  for  them  that  feared  the  Lord,  and 
that  thought  upon  his  name. 

rPsa.  lxiii.  6.  When  I  remember  thee  upon  my  bed,  and  meditate 
on  thee  in  the  night  watches. 

*  Eccl.  xii.  1.  Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy  youth. 

*  Psa.  lxxi.  19.  Thy  righteousness  also,  O  God,  is  very  high,  who  hast 
done  great  things  :  O  God,  who  is  like  unto  thee ! 

wMal.  i.  6.  A  son  honoreth  his  father,  and  a  servant  his  master: 
If  then  I  be  a  father,  where  is  mine  honor?  and  if  I  be  a  master,  where 
is  my  fear  ?  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts  unto  you,  O  priests,  that  despise 
my  name.  And  ye  say,  Wherein  have  we  despised  thy  name? 

“'Isa.  xlv.  23.  I  have  sworn  by  myself,  the  word  is  gone  out  of  my 
mouth  in  righteousness,  and  shall  not  return,  That  unto  me  every 
knee  shall  bow,  every  tongue  shall  swear.  See  Psa.  xcvi. 

*  Josh.  xxiv.  22.  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  people,  Ye  are  witnesses 
against  yourselves  that  ye  have  chosen  you  the  Lord,  to  serve  him. 
And  they  said,  We  are  witnesses. 

y  Deut.  vi.  5.  And  thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thine 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  might. 

2  Psa.  lxxiii.  25.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  hut  thee  ?  and  there  is  none 
upon  earth  that  I  desire  besides  thee. 

aIsa.  viii.  13.  Sanctify  the  Lord  of  hosts  himself;  and  let  him  he 
your  fear,  and  let  him  he  your  dread. 

b  Ex.  xiv.  31.  And  the  people  feared  the  Lord,  and  believed  the  Lord. 

*  Isa.  xxvi.  4.  Trust  ye  in  the  Lord  for  ever :  for  in  the  Lord 
JEHOVAH  is  everlasting  strength. 

d  Psa.  cxxx.  7.  Let  Israel  hope  in  the  Lord  :  for  with  the  Lord  there 
is  mercy,  and  with  him  is  plenteous  redemption. 

ePsa.  xxxvii.  4.  Delight  thyself  also  in  the  Lord  ;  and  he  shall  give 
thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart. 

/Psa.  xxxii.  11.  Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  rejoice,  ye  righteous :  and 
shout  for  joy,  all  ye  that  are  upright  in  heart. 

?Rom.  xii.  11.  Not  slothful  in  business;  fervent  inspirit;  serving 
the  Lord.  See  Num.  xxv.  11. 


208 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


thanks,71  and  yielding  all  obedience  and  submission  to  him 
with  the  whole  man  being  careful  in  all  things  to  please 
him,fc  and  sorrowful  when  in  any  thing  he  is  offended  ; 1 
and  walking  humbly  with  him.w 

Q.  105.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  first  command¬ 
ment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  first  commandment  are 
atheism,  in  denying,  or  not  having  a  God ; n  idolatry,  in 
having  or  worshiping  more  gods  than  one,  or  any  with,  or 
instead  of  the  true  God  ; 0  the  not  having  and  vouching 
him  for  God,  and  our  God ;  P  the  omission  or  neglect  of 


h  Phil.  iv.  6.  But  in  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God. 

» Jer.  vii.  23.  But  this  thing  commanded  I  them,  saying,  Obey  my 
voice,  and  I  will  be  your  God,  and  ye  shall  be  my  people  :  and  walk  ye 
in  all  the  ways  that  I  have  commanded  you,  that  it  may  be  well  unto 
you.  James  iv.  7.  Submit  yourselves  therefore  to  God.  See  Rom. 
xii.  1. 

*  1  John  iii.  22.  And  whatsoever  we  ask,  we  receive  of  him,  because 
we  keep  his  commandments,  and  do  those  things  that  are  pleasing  in 
his  sight. 

1  Psa.  cxix.  136.  Rivers  of  waters  run  down  mine  eyes,  because  they 
keep  not  thy  law.  Jer.  xxxi.  18.  I  have  surely  heard  Ephraim  be¬ 
moaning  himself  thus;  Thou  hast  chastised  me,  and  I  was  chastised, 
as  a  bullock  unaccustomed  to  the  yoke:  turn  thou  me,  and  I  shall  be 
turned ;  for  thou  art  the  Lord  my  God. 

m  Micah  vi.  8.  He  hath  showed  thee,  O  man,  what  is  good ;  and 
what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love 
mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God? 

105.  n  Psa.  xiv.  1.  The  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart,  There  is  no 
God.  Eph.  ii.  12.  That  at  that  time  ye  were  without  Christ,  being 
aliens  from  the  commonwealth  of  Israel,  and  strangers  from  the 
covenants  of  promise,  having  no  hope,  and  without  God  in  the 
world. 

°  Jer.  ii.  27,  28.  Saying  to  a  stock,  Thou  art  my  father;  and  to  a 
stone,  Thou  hast  brought  me  forth  :  for  they  have  turned  their  back 
unto  me,  and  not  their  face:  but  in  the  time  of  their  trouble  they  will 
say,  Arise,  and  save  us.  But  where  are  thy  gods  that  thou  hast  mad< 
thee?  let  them  arise,  if  they  can  save  thee  in  the  time  of  thy  trouble.* * 
for  according  to  the  number  of  thy  cities  are  thy  gods,  O  Judah. 
1  Thcss.  i.  9.  For  they  themselves  show  of  us  what  manner  of  enter¬ 
ing  in  we  had  unto  you,  and  how  ye  turned  to  God  from  idols  to  serve 
the  living  and  true  God. 

p  Psa.  lxxxi.  11.  But  my  people  would  not  hearken  to  my  voice  ;  and 
Israel  would  none  of  me. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


209 


any  thing  due  to  him,  required  in  this  commandment ;  Q 
ignorance/  forgetfulness,8  misapprehensions/  false  opin¬ 
ions, w  unworthy  and  wicked  thoughts  of  him  ;w  bold  and 
curious  searchings  into  his  secrets ; x  all  profaneness/ 
hatred  of  God/ self-love, a  self-seeking/ and  all  other  in- 

?  Isa.  xliii.  22,  23.  But  thou  hast  not  called  upon  me,  O  Jacob  ;  but 
thou  hast  been  weary  of  me,  O  Israel.  Thou  hast  not  brought  me  the 
small  cattle  of  thy  burnt  offerings ;  neither  hast  thou  honored  me 
with  thy  sacrifices.  I  have  not  caused  thee  to  serve  with  an  offering, 
nor  wearied  thee  with  incense. 

r  Jer.  iv.  22.  For  my  people  is  foolish,  they  have  not  known  me ; 
they  are  sottish  children,  and  they  have  none  nnderstanding:  they 
are  wise  to  do  evil,  but  to  do  good  they  have  no  knowledge.  Hos.  iv. 
1,  6.  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  ye  children  of  Israel :  for  the  Lord 
hath  a  controversy  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  because  there  is 
no  truth,  nor  mercy,  nor  knowledge  of  God  in  the  land.— My  people 
are  destroyed  for  lack  of  knowledge :  because  thou  hast  rejected 
knowledge,  I  will  also  reject  thee,  that  thou  shalt  be  no  priest  to  me  : 
seeing  thou  hast  forgotten  the  law  of  thy  God,  I  will  also  forget  thy 
children. 

*  Jer.  ii.  32.  Can  a  maid  forget  her  ornaments,  or  a  bride  her  attire  ? 
yet  my  people  have  forgotten  me  days  without  number.  See  Psa.  1. 
22. 

t  Acts  xvii.  23,  29.  For  as  I  passed  by,  and  beheld  your  devotions,  I 
found  an  altar  with  this  inscription,  TO  THE  UNKNOWN  GOD. 
Whom  therefore  ye  ignorantly  worship,  him  declare  I  unto  you.— For¬ 
asmuch  then  as  we  are  the  offspring  of  God,  we  ought  not  to  think 
that  the  Godhead  is  like  unto  gold,  or  silver,  or  stone,  graven  by  art 
and  man’s  device. 

«Isa.  xl.  18.  To  whom  then  will  ve  liken  God?  or  what  likeness 
will  ye  compare  unto  him  ? 

»  Psa.  1.  21.  These  things  hast  thou  done,  and  I  kept  silence  ;  thou 
tlioughtest  that  I  was  altogether  such  a  one  as  thyself:  but  I  will  re¬ 
prove  thee,  and  set  them  in  order  before  thine  eyes. 

*Deut.  xxix.  29.  The  secret  things  belong  unto  the  Lord  our  God: 
but  those  things  which  are  revealed  belong  unto  us  and  to  our  chil¬ 
dren  for  ever,  that  we  may  do  all  the  words  of  this  law. 

vTit.  i.  16.  They  profess  that  they  know  God;  but  in  works  they 
deny  him ,  being  abominable,  and  disobedient,  and  unto  every  good 
work  reprobate.  Heb.  xii.  16.  Lest  there  be  any  fornicator,  or  profane 
person,  as  Esau,  who  for  one  morsel  of  meat  sold  his  birthright. 

*Rom.  i.  39.  Backbiters,  haters  of  God,  despiteful,  proud,  boasters. 

a  2  Tim.  iii.  2.  For  men  shall  be  lovers  of  their  own  selves,  covet¬ 
ous,  boasters,  proud,  blasphemers,  disobedient  to  parents,  unthank¬ 
ful,  unholy. 

&  Phil.  ii.  21.  For  all  seek  their  own,  not  the  things  which  are  Jesus 
Christ’s. 


14 


210 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


ordinate  and  immoderate  setting  of  our  mind,  will  or 
affections  upon  other  things,  and  taking  them  off  from 
him  in  whole  or  in  part ; c  vain  credulity  ;d  unbelief; f 
heresy  ;/ misbelief;^  distrust;^  despair;7  incorrigibleness, ^ 
and  insensibleness  under  judgments ; 1  hardness  of  heart ;  m 
pride;71  presumption ; 0  carnal  security  ;P  tempting  of  God; 


e  1  John  ii.  15, 16.  Love  not  the  world,  neither  the  things  that  are  In 
the  world.  If  any  man  love  the  world,  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not 
in  him.  For  all  that  is  in  the  world,  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  and  the  lust 
of  the  eyes,  and  the  pride  of  life,  is  not  of  the  Father,  but  is  of  the 
world.  See  1  Sam.  ii.  29  ;  Col.  iii.  2, 5. 

d  1  John  iv.  1.  Beloved,  believe  not  every  spirit,  but  try  the  spirits 
whether  they  are  of  God  :  because  many  false  prophets  are  gone  out 
into  the  world. 

« Heb.  iii.  12.  Take  heed,  brethren,  lest  there  be  in  any  of  you  an 
evil  heart  of  unbelief,  in  departing  from  the  living  God. 

/Gal.  v.  20.  Idolatry,  witchcraft,  hatred,  variance,  emulations, 
wrath,  strife,  seditions,  heresies.  See  Tit.  iii.  10. 

o  Acts  xxvi.  9.  I  verily  thought  with  myself,  that  I  ought  to  do  many 
things  contrary  to  the  name  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth. 

h  Psa.  lxxviii.  22.  Because  they  believed  not  in  God,  and  trusted  not 
in  his  salvation. 

'  Gen.  iv.  13.  And  Cain  said  unto  the  Lord,  My  punishment  is 
greater  than  I  can  bear. 

*Jer.  v.  3.  Thou  hast  stricken  them,  but  they  have  not  grieved; 
thou  hast  consumed  them,  but  they  have  refused  to  receive  correc¬ 
tion  :  they  have  made  their  faces  harder  than  a  rock ;  they  have  re¬ 
fused  to  return. 

*Isa.  xlii.  25.  Therefore  he  hath  poured  upon  him  the  fury  of  his 
anger,  and  the  strength  of  battle :  and  it  hath  set  him  on  fire  round 
about,  yet  he  knew  not;  and  it  burned  him,  yet  he  laid  it  not  to 
heart. 

m  Rom.  ii.  5.  But,  after  thy  hardness  and  impenitent  heart,  treasur- 
est  up  unto  thyself  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath  and  revelation  of 
the  righteous  judgment  of  God. 

nJer.  xiii.  15.  Hear  ye,  and  give  ear;  be  not  proud:  for  the  Lord 
hath  spoken. 

0  Psa.  xix.  13.  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous  sins ; 
let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me:  then  shall  I  be  upright,  and  I 
shall  be  innocent  from  the  great  transgression. 

pZeph.  i.  12.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  at  that  time,  that  I  will 
search  Jerusalem  with  candles,  and  punish  the  men  that  are  settled 
on  their  lees:  that  say  in  their  heart,  The  Lord  will  not  do  good, 
neither  will  he  do  evil. 

*Matt.  iv.  7.  Jesus  said  unto  him,  It  is  written  again,  Thou  shalt 
not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


211 


using  unlawful  means/  and  trusting  in  lawful  means ; 8 
carnal  delights  and  joys ; 1  corrupt,  blind,  and  indiscreet 
zeal ; u  lukewarmness,™  and  deadness  in  the  things  of 
God  ; *  *  estranging  ourselves,  and  apostatizing  from  God  ;  v 
praying,  or  giving  any  religious  worship,  to  saints,  angels, 
or  any  other  creatures ;  *  all  compacts  and  consulting  with 
the  devil/  and  hearkening  to  his  suggestions ; b  making 
men  the  lords  of  our  faith  and  conscience ; c  slighting  and 

rRom.  iii.  8.  And  not  rather,  (as  we  be  slanderously  reported,  and 
as  some  affirm  that  we  say,)  Let  us  do  evil,  that  good  may  come? 
whose  damnation  is  just. 

8  Jer.  xvii.  5.  Cursed  be  the  man  that  trusteth  in  man,  and  maketh 
flesh  his  arm,  and  whose  heart  departeth  from  the  Lord. 

*2  Tim.  iii.  4.  Traitors,  heady,  highminded,  lovers  of  pleasures 
more  than  lovers  of  God. 

u  Gal.  iv.  17.  They  zealously  affect  you,  but  not  well.  Rom.  x.  2. 
For  I  bear  them  record  that  they  have  a  zeal  of  God,  but  not  accord¬ 
ing  to  knowledge.  See  John  xvi.  2 ;  Luke  ix.  54,  55. 

w  Rev.  iii.  16.  So  then  because  thou  art  lukewarm,  and  neither  cold 
nor  hot,  I  will  spew  thee  out  of  my  mouth. 

*  Rev.  iii.  1.  I  know  thy  works,  that  thou  hast  a  name  that  thou 
livest,  and  art  dead. 

v  Ezek.  xiv.  5.  Because  they  are  all  estranged  from  me  through 
their  idols.  Isa.  i.  4,  5.  Ah  sinful  nation,  a  people  laden  with 
iniquity,  a  seed  of  evil  doers,  children  that  are  corrupters  :  they  have 
forsaken  the  Lord,  they  have  provoked  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  unto 
anger,  they  are  gone  away  backward.  Why  should  ye  be  stricken  any 
more?  ye  will  revolt  more  and  more :  the  whole  head  is  sick,  and  the 
whole  heart  faint. 

*Hos.  iv.  12.  My  people  ask  counsel  at  their  stocks,  and  their  staff 
declareth  unto  them.  Rev.  xix.  10.  And  I  fell  at  his  feet  to  worship 
him.  And  he  said  unto  me,  See  thou  do  it  not :  I  am  thy  fellow  ser¬ 
vant,  and  of  thy  brethren  that  have  the  testimony  of  Jesus :  worship 
God.  Col.  ii.  18.  Let  no  man  beguile  you  of  your  reward  in  a  volun¬ 
tary  humility  and  worshiping  of  angels,  intruding  into  those  things 
which  he  hath  not  seen,  vainly  puffed  up  by  his  fleshly  mind.  Rom. 
i.  25.  Who  changed  the  truth  of  God  into  a  lie,  and  worshiped  and 
served  the  creature  more  than  the  Creator,  who  is  blessed  for  ever. 
Amen. 

"Lev.  xx.  6.  And  the  sou!  that  turneth  after  such  as  have  familiar 
spirits,  and  after  wizards,  to  go  a  whoring  after  them,  1  will  even  set 
my  face  against  that  soul,  and  will  cut  him  off  from  among  his  people. 
See  1  Sam.  xxviii.  7, 11;  1  Chron.  x.  13,  14. 

h  Acts  v.  3.  But  Peter  said,  Ananias,  why  hath  Satan  filled  thine  heart 
to  lie  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to  keep  back  part  of  the  price  of  the  land. 

e2Cor.  i.  24.  Not  for  that  we  have  dominion  over  your  faith,  but 
are  helpers  of  your  joy;  for  by  faith  ye  stand.  See  Matt,  xxiii.  9. 


212 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


despising  God  and  his  commands, d  resisting  and 
grieving  of  his  Spirit,6  discontent  and  impatience  at  his 
dispensations,  charging  him  foolishly  for  the  evils  he 
inflicts  on  us ;/  and  ascribing  the  praise  of  any  good  we 
either  are,  have,  or  can  do,  to  fortune, 0  idols, ^  ourselves,1 
or  any  other  creature. 

Q.  106.  What  are  ive  especially  taught  by  these  tcords  (be¬ 
fore  me)  in  the  first  commandment? 

A.  These  words  ( before  me)  or  before  my  face,  in  the 
first  commandment,  teach  us,  that  God,  who  seeth  all 
things,  taketh  special  notice  of,  and  is  much  displeased 
with,  the  sin  of  having  any  other  god :  that  so  it  may  be 
an  argument  to  dissuade  from  it,  and  to  aggravate  it  as  a 
most  impudent  provocation  ; 1  as  also  to  persuade  us  to  do 
as  in  his  sight,  whatever  we  do  in  his  service.771 


d  Deut.  xxxii.  15.  Then  he  forsook  God  which  made  him,  and  light¬ 
ly  esteemed  the  Rock  of  his  salvation.  Prov.  xiii.  13.  Whoso  despis- 
eth  the  word  shall  be  destroyed :  but  he  that  feareth  the  command¬ 
ment  shall  be  rewarded.  See  2  Sam.  xii.  9. 

«  Acts  vii.  51.  Ye  stiffnecked,  and  uncircumcised  in  heart  and  ears, 
ve  do  always  resist  the  Holy  Ghost.  Eph.  iv.  30.  And  grieve  not  the 
Holy  Spirit  of  God. 

/ Psa.  lxxiii.  2,  3.  But  as  for  me,  my  feet  were  almost  gone;  my 
steps  had  well  nigh  slipped.  For  I  was  envious  at  the  foolish,  when 
I  saw  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked.  See  verses  13-15,  22.  Job.  i.  22.  In 
all  this  Job  sinned  not,  nor  charged  God  foolishly. 

g  Luke  xii.  19.  And  I  will  aav  to  my  soul,  Soul,  thou  hast  much 
goods  laid  up  for  many  years;  take  thine  ease,  eat,  drink,  and  be 
merry. 

h  Dan.  v.  23.  And  thou  hast  praised  the  gods  of  silver,  and  gold,  of 
brass,  iron,  wood,  and  stone,  which  see  not,  nor  hear,  nor  know :  and 
the  God  in  whose  hand  thy  breath  is,  and  whose  are  all  thy  ways,  hast 
thou  not  glorified. 

<  Deut.  viii.  17.  And  thou  say  in  thine  heart,  My  power  and  the 
might  of  mine  hand  hath  gotten  me  this  wealth.  See  Dan.  iv.  30. 

*Hab.  i.  16.  Therefore  they  sacrifice  unto  their  net,  and  burn  in¬ 
cense  unto  their  drag ;  because  by  them  their  portion  is  fat,  and  their 
meat  plenteous. 

106.  1  Psa.  xliv.  20,  21.  If  we  have  forgotten  the  name  of  our  God,  or 
stretched  out  our  hands  to  a  strange  god;  Shall  not  God  search  this 
out?  for  he  knoweth  the  secrets  of  the  heart.  See  Ezek.  viii.  5-18. 

m]  Chron.  xxviii.  9.  And  thou,  Solomon  my  son,  know  thou  the 
God  of  thy  father,  and  serve  him  with  a  perfect  heart  and  with  a 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


213 


Q.  107.  Which  is  the  second  commandment  ? 

A.  The  second  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  make 
unto  thee  any  graven  image ,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that 
is  in  heaven  above ,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath ,  or  that  is  in 
the  water  under  the  earth  :  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to 
them  nor  serve  them :  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous 
God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children , 
unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate  me  ; 
and  showing  mercy  unto  thousands  of  them  that  love  me,  ana 
keep  my  commandments.71 

Q.  108.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  second  com¬ 
mandment  f 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  second  commandment  are, 
the  receiving,  observing,  and  keeping  pure  and  entire,  all 
such  religious  worship  and  ordinances  as  God  hath  insti¬ 
tuted  in  his  Word;0  particularly  prayer  and  thanksgiving 
in  the  name  of  Christ  ;P  the  reading,  preaching,  and  hear¬ 
ing  of  the  Word  ;  Q  the  administration  and  receiving  of  the 

willing  mind :  for  the  Lord  searcheth  all  hearts,  and  understandeth 
all  the  imaginations  of  the  thoughts. 

107.  n  Ex.  xx.  4-6. 

108.  0  Deut.  xxxii.  46.  Set  your  hearts  unto  all  the  words  which  I 
testify  among  you  this  day,  which  ye  shall  command  your  children 
to  observe  to  do,  all  the  words  of  this  law.  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  Teach¬ 
ing  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you. 
1  Tim.  vi.  13, 14.  I  give  thee  charge  in  the  sight  of  God,  who  quick- 
eneth  all  things,  and  before  Christ  Jesus,  who  before  Pontius  Pilate 
witnessed  a  good  confession;  That  thou  keep  this  commandment 
without  spot,  unrebukeable  until  the  appearing  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  See  Acts  ii.  42. 

pPhil.  iv.  6.  Be  careful  for  nothing;  but  in  every  thing  by  prayer 
and  supplication  with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made  known 
unto  God.  Eph.  v.  20.  Giving  thanks  always  for  all  things  unto  God 
and  the  Father  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

i  Deut.  xvii.  18, 19.  And  it  shall  be,  when  he  sitteth  upon  the 
throne  of  his  kingdom,  that  he  shall  write  him  a  copy  of  this  law  in 
a  book  out  of  that  which  is  before  the  priests  the  Levites :  And  it  shall 
be  with  him,  and  he  shall  read  therein  all  the  days  of  his  life  ;  that 
he  may  learn  to  fear  the  Lord  his  God,  to  keep  all  the  words  of  this 
law  and  these  statutes,  to  do  them.  Acts  xv.  21.  For  Moses  of  old 
time  hath  in  every  city  them  that  preach  him,  being  read  in  the  syn¬ 
agogues  every  sabbath  day.  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  Preach  the  word ;  be 
instant  in  season,  out  of  season ;  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort  with  all 


214 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Sacraments ;r  church  government  and  discipline;5  the 
ministry  and  maintenance  thereof  religious  fasting  ;u 
swearing  by  the  name  of  God,™  and  vowing  unto 
him  :x  as  also  the  disapproving,  detesting,  opposing 
all  false  worship  ;  v  and,  according  to  each  one’s  place 


longsuffering  and  doctrine.  James  i.  21,  22.  Receive  with  meekness 
the  engrafted  word,  which  is  able  to  save  your  souls.  But  be  ye  doers 
of  the  word,  and  not  hearers  only,  deceiving  your  own  selves.  Acts 
x.  33.  Immediately  therefore  I  sent  to  thee ;  and  thou  hast  well  done 
that  thou  art  come.  Now  therefore  are  we  all  here  present  before 
God,  to  hear  all  things  that  are  commanded  thee  of  God. 

r  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  See  1  Cor.  xi.  23-30. 

*  Matt.  xvi.  19.  And  I  will  give  unto  thee  the  keys  of  the  kingdom 
of  heaven :  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound 
in  heaven  ;  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on  earth  shall  be 
loosed  in  heaven.  Matt,  xviii.  15-17.  Moreover  if  thy  brother  shall 
trespass  against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him 
alone  :  if  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  But  if  he 
will  not  hear  thee ,  then  take  wTith  thee  one  or  two  more,  that  in  the 
mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses  every  word  may  be  established.  And 
if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church  :  but  if  he 
neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  an  heathen  man 
and  a  publican.  1  Cor.  xii.  28.  And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church, 
first  apostles,  secondarily  prophets,  thirdly  teachers,  after  that 
miracles,  then  gifts  of  healings,  helps,  governments,  diversities  of 
tongues.  See  1  Cor.  v. 

t  Eph.  iv.  11, 12.  And  he  gave  some,  apostles  ;  and  some,  prophets  ; 
and  some,  evangelists  ;  and  some,  pastors  and  teachers;  For  the  per¬ 
fecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of 
the  body  of  Christ.  1  Tim.  v.  17,  18.  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well  be 
counted  worthy  of  double  honor,  especially  they  who  labor  in  the 
word  and  doctrine.  For  the  Scripture  saith,  Thou  shalt  not  muzzle 
the  ox  that  treadeth  out  the  corn.  And,  The  laborer  is  worthy  of  his 
reward.  See  1  Cor.  ix.  7-15. 

"Joel  ii.  12.  Therefore  also  now,  saith  the  Lord,  Turn  ye  even  to 
me  with  all  your  heart,  and  with  fasting, and  with  weeping,  and  with 
mourning.  1  Cor.  vii.  5.  That  ye  may  give  yourselves  to  fasting  and 
prayer. 

«■  Dent.  vi.  13.  Thou  shalt  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  serve  him, 
and  shalt  swear  by  his  name. 

•ePsa.  lxxvi.  11.  Vow,  and  pay  unto  the  Lord  your  God.  See  Isa. 
xix.  21 ;  Psa.  cxvi.  14,  18. 

v  Acts  xvii.  lf»,  17.  Now  while  Paul  waited  for  them  at  Athens,  his 
dpirit  was  stirred  in  him,  when  he  saw  the  city  wholly  given  to  idol* * 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


215 


and  calling,  removing  it,  and  all  monuments  of  idol- 
atry.z 

Q.  109.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  second  com - 
mandment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  second  commandment  are, 
all  devising, a  counseling,* * * * *  &  commanding,0  using, d  and  any 
wise  approving  any  religious  worship  not  instituted  by 
God  himself ; 0  the  making  any  representation  of  God,  of 


atry.  Therefore  disputed  he  in  the  synagogue  with  the  Jews,  and 

with  the  devout  persons,  and  in  the  market  daily  with  them  that 
met  with  him.  Psa.  xvi.  4.  Their  sorrows  shall  be  multiplied  that 

hasten  after  another  god :  their  drink  offerings  of  blood  will  I  not 
offer,  nor  take  up  their  names  into  my  lips. 

z  Deut.  vii.  5.  But  thus  shall  ye  deal  with  them  ;  ye  shall  destroy 
their  altars,  and  break  down  their  images,  and  cut  down  their  groves, 
and  burn  their  graven  images  with  fire.  Isa.  xxx.  22.  Ye  shall  de¬ 
file  also  the  covering  of  thy  graven  images  of  silver,  and  the  orna¬ 
ment  of  thy  molten  images  of  gold  :  thou  shalt  cast  them  away  as  a 
menstruous  cloth ;  thou  shalt  say  unto  it,  Get  thee  hence. 

109.  a  Num.  xv.  39.  And  it  shall  be  unto  you  for  a  fringe,  that  ye 
may  look  upon^t,  and  remember  all  the  commandments  of  the  Lord, 
and  do  them ;  and  that  ye  seek  not  after  your  own  heart  and  your 
own  eyes,  after  which  ye  use  to  go  a  whoring. 

6  Deut.  xiii.  6.  8.  If  thy  brother,  the  son  of  thy  mother,  or  thy  son, 
or  thy  daughter,  or  the  wife  of  thy  bosom,  or  thy  friend,  which  is  as 
thine  own  soul,  entice  thee  secretly,  saying,  Let  us  go  and  serve  other 
gods,  which  thou  hast  not  known,  thou,  nor  thy  fathers ; — Thou  shalt 
not  consent  unto  him,  nor  hearken  unto  him ;  neither  shall  thine 
eye  pity  him,  neither  shalt  thou  spare,  neither  shalt  thou  conceal 
him. 

c  Hos.  v.  11.  Ephraim  is  oppressed  and  broken  in  judgment,  because 
he  willingly  walked  after  the  commandment.  Mic.  vi.  16.  For  the 
statutes  of  Omri  are  kept,  and  all  the  works  of  the  house  of  Ahab, 
and  ye  walk  in  their  counsels  ;  that  I  should  make  thee  a  desolation, 
and  the  inhabitants  thereof  a  hissing :  therefore  ye  shall  bear  the 
reproach  of  my  people. 

d\  Kings  xi.  33.  Because  that  they  have  forsaken  me,  and  have 
worshiped  Ashtoreth.  1  Kings  xii.  33.  So  he  offered  upon  the  altar 
which  he  had  made  in  Beth-el  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  eighth  month, 
even  in  the  month  which  he  had  devised  of  his  own  heart;  and 
ordained  a  feast  unto  the  children  of  Israel :  and  he  offered  upon  the 
altar,  and  burnt  incense. 

eDeut.  xii.  30,  32.  Take  heed  to  thyself  that  thou  be  not  snared  by 
following  them,  after  that  they  be  destroyed  from  before  thee;  and 
that  thou  inquire  not  after  their  gods,  saying,  How  did  these  nations 


216 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


all,  or  of  any  of  the  three  Persons,  either  inwardly  in  our 
mind,  or  outwardly  in  any  kind  of  image  or  likeness  of 
any  creature  whatsoever:/  all  worshiping  of  it,0  or  God  in 
it  or  by  it ;  h  the  making  of  any  representation  of  feigned 
deities/  and  all  worship  of  them,  or  service  belonging  to 
them ;  k  all  superstitious  devices/  corrupting  the  worship 


serve  their  gods?  even  so  will  I  do  likewise. — What  thing  soever  I 
command  you,  observe  to  do  it:  thou  shalt  not  add  thereto,  nor 
diminish  from  it. 

/  Deut.  iv.  15, 16.  Take  ye  therefore  good  heed  unto  yourselves ;  for 
ye  saw  no  manner  of  similitude  on  the  day  that  the  Lord  spake  unto 
you  in  Horeb  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire;  Lest  ye  corrupt  yourselves , 
and  make  you  a  graven  image,  the  similitude  of  any  figure,  the  like¬ 
ness  of  male  or  female.  See  verses  17-19.  Acts  xvii.  29.  Forasmuch 
then  as  we  are  the  offspring  of  God,  we  ought  not  to  think  that  the 
Godhead  is  like  unto  gold,  or  silver,  or  stone,  graven  by  art  and  man’s 
device.  Rom.  i.  21-23,  25.  Because  that,  when  they  knew  God,  they 
glorified  him  not  as  God,  neither  were  thankful ;  but  became  vain  in 
their  imaginations,  and  their  foolish  heart  was  darkened.  Professing 
themselves  to  be  wise,  they  became  fools,  And  changed  the  glory 
of  the  uncorruptible  God  into  an  image  made  like  to  corruptible  man, 
and  to  birds,  and  fourfooted  beasts,  and  creeping  things.— Who 
changed  the  truth  of  God  into  a  lie,  and  worshiped  and  served  the 
creature  more  than  the  Creator,  who  is  blessed  for  ever.  Amen. 

^Gal.  iv.  8.  Howbeit  then,  when  ye  knew  not  God,  ye  did  service 
unto  them  which  by  nature  are  no  gods.  See  Dan.  iii.  8. 

h  Ex.  xxxii.  5.  And  when  Aaron  saw  it,  he  built  an  altar  before  it ; 
and  Aaron  made  proclamation,  and  said,  To-morrow  is  a  feast  to  the 
Lord. 

*  Ex.  xxxii.  8.  They  have  made  them  a  molten  calf,  and  have  wor¬ 
shiped  it,  and  have  sacrificed  thereunto,  and  said,  These  he  thy  gods, 
O  Israel,  which  have  brought  thee  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

*  1  Kings  xviii.  26,  28.  And  they  took  the  bullock  which  was  given 
them,  and  they  dressed  it,  and  called  on  the  name  of  Baal  from  morn¬ 
ing  even  unto  noon,  saying,  O  Baal,  hear  us.  But  there  was  no  voice, 
nor  any  that  answered..  And  they  leaped  upon  the  altar  which  was 
made.— And  they  cried  aloud,  and  cut  themselves  after  their  manner 
with  knives  and  lancets,  till  the  blood  gushed  out  upon  them.  See 
Isa.  lxv.  11. 

‘Acts  xvii.  22.  Then  Paul  stood  in  the  midst  of  Mars’  hill,  and  said, 
Ye  men  of  Athens,  I  perceive  that  in  all  things  ye  are  too  supersti¬ 
tious.  Col.  ii.  21-23.  (Touch  not;  taste  not;  handle  not;  Which  all 
are  to  perish  with  the  using;)  after  the  commandments  and  doctrines 
of  men.  Which  things  have  indeed  a  show  of  wisdom  in  will-worship, 
and  humility,  and  neglecting  of  the  body;  not  in  any  honor  to  the 
satisfying  of  the  flesh. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


217 


of  God,w  adding  to  it,  or  taking  from  it,n  whether  invented 
and  taken  up  of  ourselves,0  or  received  by  tradition  from 
others, P  though  under  the  title  of  antiquity, Q  custom/  de¬ 
votion/  good  intent,  or  any  other  pretence  whatsoever ; t 


mMal.  i.  7,  8,  14.  Ye  offer  polluted  bread  upon  my  altar  ;  and  ye  say, 
Wherein  have  we  polluted  thee?  In  that  ye  say,  The  table  of  the  Lord 
is  contemptible.  And  if  ye  offer  the  blind  for  sacrifice,  is  it  not  evil  ? 
and  if  ye  offer  the  lame  and  sick,  is  it  not  evil?  offer  it  now  unto  thy 
governor ;  will  he  be  pleased  with  thee,  or  accept  thy  person  ?  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts.— But  cursed  be  the  deceiver,  which  hath  in  his 
flock  a  male,  and  voweth,  and  sacrificeth  unto  the  Lord  a  corrupt 
thing;  for  I  am  a  great  King,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  my  name 
is  dreadful  among  the  heathen. 

nDeut.  iv.  2.  Ye  shall  not  add  unto  the  word  which  I  com¬ 
mand  you,  neither  shall  ye  diminish  aught  from  it,  that  ye  may 
keep  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  your  God  which  I  command 
you. 

0  Psa.  cvi.  39.  Thus  were  they  defiled  with  their  own  works,  and 
went  a  whoring  with  their  own  inventions. 

p  Matt.  xv.  9.  But  in  vain  they  do  worship  me,  teaching  for  doc¬ 
trines  the  commandments  of  men. 

?  1  Pet.  i.  18.  Forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not  redeemed 
with  corruptible  things,  as  silver  and  gold,  from  your  vain  conversa¬ 
tion  received  by  tradition  from  your  fathers. 

r  Jer.  xliv.  17.  But  we  will  certainly  do  whatsoever  thing  goeth 
forth  out  of  our  own  mouth,  to  burn  incense  unto  the  queen  of 
heaven,  and  to  pour  out  drink  offerings  unto  her,  as  we  have  done, 
we,  and  our  fathers,  our  kings,  and  our  princes,  in  the  cities  of  Judah, 
and  in  the  streets  of  Jerusalem  :  for  then  had  we  plenty  of  victuals,  and 
were  well,  and  saw  no  evil. 

•  Isa.  lxv.  3-5.  A  people  that  provoketh  me  to  anger  continually  to 
my  face  ;  that  sacrificeth  in  gardens,  and  burneth  incense  upon  altars 
of  brick ;  Which  remain  among  the  graves,  and  lodge  in  the  monu¬ 
ments;  which  eat  swine’s  flesh,  and  broth  of  abominable  things  is  in 
their  vessels  ;  Which  say,  Stand  by  thyself,  come  not  near  to  me  ;  for 
I  am  holier  than  thou.  These  are  a  smoke  in  my  nose,  a  fire  that 
burneth  all  the  day.  Gal.  i.  13, 14.  How  that  beyond  measure  I  per¬ 
secuted  the  church  of  God,  and  wasted  it;  And  profited  in  the  Jews’ 
religion  above  many  my  equals  in  mine  own  nation,  being  more  ex¬ 
ceedingly  zealous  of  the  traditions  of  my  fathers. 

1 1  Sam.  xiii.  12.  Therefore  said  I,  The  Philistines  will  come  down 
now  upon  me  to  Gilgal,  and  I  have  not  made  supplication  unto  the 
Lord:  I  forced  myself  therefore,  and  offered  a  burnt  offering.  1  Sam. 
xv.  21.  But  the  people  [said  Saul]  took  of  the  spoil,  sheep  and  oxen, 
the  chief  of  the  things  which  should  have  been  utterly  destroyed,  to 
sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  thy  God  in  Gilgal. 


218 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


simony  ;  u  sacrilege  ; w  all  neglect, x  contempt,^  hindering,* * 
and  opposing  the  worship  and  ordinances  which  God  hath 
appointed.® 

Q.  110.  What  are  the  reasons  annexed  to  the  second  com - 
mandment ,  the  more  to  enforce  it? 

A.  The  reasons  annexed  to  the  second  commandment, 
the  more  to  enforce  it,  contained  in  these  words,  For  I  the 
Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God ,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation 
of  them  that  hate  me  ;  and  showing  mercy  unto  thousands  of 
them  that  love  me ,  and  keep  my  commandments  ;  b  are,  besides 
God’s  sovereignty  over  us,  and  propriety  in  us, c  his  fervent 
zeal  for  his  own  worship, d  and  his  revengeful  indignation 

“  Acts  viii.  18, 19.  And  when  Simon  saw  that  through  laying  on  of 
the  apostles’  hands  the  Holy  Ghost  was  given,  he  offered  them  money, 
Saying,  Give  me  also  this  power,  that  on  whomsoever  I  lay  hands,  he 
may  receive  the  Holy  Ghost. 

“’Rom.  ii.  22.  Thou  that  abhorrest  idols,  dost  thou  commit  sacri¬ 
lege? 

*  Mai.  iii.  8.  Will  a  man  rob  God  ?  Yet  ye  have  robbed  me.  But  ye 
say,  Wherein  have  we  robbed  thee?  In  tithes  and  offerings. 

y  Matt.  xxii.  5.  But  they  made  light  of  it ,  and  went  their  ways,  one 
to  his  farm,  another  to  his  merchandise.  Mai.  i.  7, 13.  Ye  offer  pol¬ 
luted  bread  upon  my  altar ;  and  ye  say,  Wherein  have  we  polluted 
thee?  In  that  ye  say,  The  table  of  the  Lord  is  contemptible— Ye 
said  also,  Behold,  what  a  weariness  is  it!  and  ye  have  snuffed  at  it, 
saith  the  Lord  of  hosts  ;  and  ye  brought  that  which  was  torn,  and  the 
lame,  and  the  sick ;  thus  ye  brought  an  offering :  should  I  accept  this 
of  your  hand?  saith  the  Lord. 

2  Matt,  xxiii.  13.  But  woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypo¬ 
crites  !  for  ye  shut  up  the  kingdom  of  heaven  against  men :  for  ye 
neither  go  in  yourselves ,  neither  suffer  ye  them  that  are  entering  to 
go  in. 

“Acts  xiii.  45.  But  when  the  Jews  saw  the  multitudes,  they  were 
filled  with  envy  and  sy>ake  against  those  things  which  were  spoken 
by  Paul,  contradicting  and  blaspheming.  See  1  Thess.  ii.  15,  16. 

110.  6  Ex.  xx.  5,  6. 

cPsa.  xlv.  11.— He  is  thy  Lord  :  and  worship  thou  him.  Rev.  xv.  3, 
0.  And  they  sing  the  song  of  Moses  the  servant  of  God,  and  the  song 
of  the  Lamb,  saying,  Great  and  marvelous  are  thy  works,  Tx>rd  God 
Almighty  ;  just  and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  saints.  Who  shall 
not  fear  thee,  O  Lord,  and  glorify  thy  name?  for  thou  only  art  holy. 

dEx.  xxxiv.  13, 14.  But  ye  shall  destroy  their  altars,  break  their 
images,  and  cut  down  their  groves:  For  thou  shall  worship  no  other 
god :  for  the  Lord,  whose  name  is  Jealous,  is  a  jealous  God. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


219 


against  all  false  worship,  as  being  a  spiritual  whoredom  : e 
accounting  the  breakers  of  this  commandment  such  as  hate 
him,  and  threatening  to  punish  them  unto  divers  genera¬ 
tions  ;/  and  esteeming  the  observers  of  it  such  as  love  him 
and  keep  his  commandments,  and  promising  mercy  to 
them  unto  many  generations.^ 

Q.  111.  Which  is  the  third  commandment  f 
A.  The  third  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  take  the 
name  of  the  Loud  thy  God  in  vain :  for  the  Lord  will  not 
hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain.h 
Q.  112.  What  is  required  in  the  third  commandment  f 
A.  The  third  commandment  requires,  that  the  name  of 
God,  his  titles,  attributes/  ordinances,^'  the  word/  sacra- 


*  1  Cor.  x.  20-22.  But  I  say,  that  the  things  which  the  Gentiles  sacri¬ 
fice,  they  sacrifice  to  devils,  and  not  to  God  :  and  I  would  not  that  ye 
should  have  fellowship  with  devils.  Ye  cannot  drink  the  cup  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  cup  of  devils :  ye  cannot  be  partakers  of  the  Lord’s 
table,  and  of  the  table  of  devils.  Do  we  provoke  the  Lord  to  jealousy  ? 
Are  we  stronger  than  he?  See  Deut.  xxxii.  16-19;  Jer.  vii.  18-20; 
Ezek.  xvi.  26,  27. 

f  Hos.  ii.  2-4.  Plead  with  your  mother,  plead ;  for  she  is  not  my 
wife,  neither  am  I  her  husband :  let  her  therefore  put  away  her 
whoredoms  out  of  her  sight,  and  her  adulteries  from  between  her 
breasts ;  Lest  I  strip  her  naked,  and  set  her  as  in  the  day  that  she  was 
born,  and  make  her  as  a  wilderness,  and  set  her  like  a  dry  land,  and 
slay  her  with  thirst.  And  I  will  not  have  mercy  upon  her  children ; 
for  they  be  the  children  of  whoredoms. 

a  Deut.  v.  29.  Oh  that  there  were  such  a  heart  in  them,  that  they 
would  fear  me,  and  keep  all  my  commandments  always,  that  it  might 
be  well  with  them,  and  with  their  children  for  ever! 

111.  h  Ex.  xx.  7. 

112. *  *Matt.  vi.  9.  After  this  manner  therefore  pray  ye  :  Our  Father 
which  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed  be  thy  name.  Deut.  xxviii.  58.  That 
thou  mayest  fear  this  glorious  and  fearful  name,  THE  LORD  THY 
GOD.  Psa.  lxviii.  4.  Extol  him  that  rideth  upon  the  heavens  by  his 
name  JAH,  and  rejoice  before  him.  See  Psa.  xxix.  2;  Rev.  xv.  3,  4. 

*  Eccl.  v.  1.  Keep  thy  foot  when  thou  goest  to  the  house  of  God,  and 
be  more  ready  to  hear  than  to  give  the  sacrifice  of  fools  :  for  they  con¬ 
sider  not  that  they  do  evil.  Luke  i.  6.  And  they  were  both  righteous 
before  God,  walking  in  all  the  commandments  and  ordinances  of  the 
Lord  blameless. 

*Psa.  cxxxviii.  2.  I  will  worship  toward  thy  holy  temple,  and 
praise  thy  name  for  thy  lovingkindness  and  for  thy  truth :  for  thou 
hast  magnified  thy  word  above  all  thy  name. 


220 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


merits,771  prayer,71  oaths,0  vows,P  lots, 9  his  works,7* *  and  what¬ 
soever  else  there  is  whereby  he  makes  himself  known,  be 
liolily  and  reverently  used  in  thought,®  meditation/  word/4* 
and  writing ; w  by  an  holy  profession,*  and  answerable 
conversation,!/  to  the  glory  of  God,2  and  the  good  of  our¬ 
selves0  and  others.^ 

m  1  Cor.  xi.  28,  29.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him 
eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup.  For  he  that  eateth  and 
drinketh  unworthily,  eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  to  himself,  not 
discerning  the  Lord’s  body. 

n  1  Tim.  ii.  8.  I  will  therefore  that  men  pray  every  where,  lifting  up 
holy  hands,  without  wrath  and  doubting. 

°Jer.  iv.  2.  And  thou  shait  swear,  The  Lord  liveth,  in  truth,  in 
judgment,  and  in  righteousness. 

pEccI.  v.  2,  4.  Be  not  rash  Avith  thy  mouth,  and  let  not  thine  heart 
be  hasty  to  utter  any  thing  before  God  :  for  God  is  in  heaven,  and  thou 
upon  earth :  therefore  let  thy  Avords  be  feAV.— When  thou  voAvest  a 
vow  unto  God,  defer  not  to  pay  it ;  for  he  hath  no  pleasure  in  fools : 
pay  that  which  thou  hast  vowed. 

?  Acts  i.  24,  26.  And  they  prayed,  and  said,  Thou,  Lord,  Avhieh  know- 
est  the  hearts  of  all  men,  show  whether  of  these  tAvo  thou  hast  chosen. 
—And  they  gaATe  forth  their  lots  ;  and  the  lot  fell  upon  Matthias. 

rJob  xxxvi.  24.  Remember  that  thou  magnify  his  Avork,  Avhieh 
men  behold. 

*  Mai.  iii.  16.  And  a  book  of  remembrance  Avas  written  before  him 
for  them  that  feared  the  Lord,  and  that  thought  upon  his  name. 

*  Psa.  ATiii.  1,  3,  4.  O  Lord  our  Lord,  hoAV  excellent  is  thy  name  in 
all  the  earth !  Avho  hast  set  thy  glory  above  the  heavens.— When  I 
consider  thy  heaATens,  the  work  of  thy  fingers,  the  moon  and  the 
stars,  Avhieh  thou  hast  ordained ;  What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful 
of  him?  and  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him? 

u  Psa.  cv.  2,  5.  Sing  unto  him,  sing  psalms  unto  him  :  talk  ye  of  all 
his  Avondrous  Avorks. — Remember  his  marvellous  Avorks  that  he  hath 
done;  his  wonders,  and  the  judgments  of  his  mouth. 

w  Psa.  cii.  18.  This  shall  be  w  ritten  for  the  generation  to  come  :  and 
the  people  which  shall  be  created  shall  praise  the  Lord. 

*1  Pet.  iii.  15.  But  sanctify  the  Lord  God  in  your  hearts:  and  he 
ready  always  to  give  an  ansAver  to  every  man  that  asketh  you  a  reason 
of  the  hope  that  is  in  you,  with  meekness  and  fear.  Mic.  iAT.  5.  We 
a v ill  walk  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God  for  ever  and  ever. 

*  Phil.  i.  27.  Only  let  your  conversation  be  as  it  becometh  the 
gospel  of  Christ. 

*  1  Cor.  x.  31.  Whether  therefore  ye  eat,  or  drink,  or  Avhatsoevcr  ye 
do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God. 

«  Jer.  xxxii.  39.  And  T  Avill  give  them  one  heart,  and  one  AAray,  that 
they  may  fear  me  for  ever,  for  the  good  of  them,  and  of  their  children 
after  them. 

*  1  Pet.  ii.  12.  Having  your  conversation  honest  among  the  Gentiles: 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


221 


Q.  113.  What  are  the  sms  forbidden  in  the  third  command¬ 
ment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  third  commandment 
are,  the  not  using  of  God’s  name  as  is  required ; c 
and  the  abuse  of  it  in  an  ignorant,' d  vain,6  irrev¬ 
erent,  profane/  superstitious^  or  wicked,  mentioning  or 
otherwise  using  his  titles,  attributes, ordinances,*  or 


that,  whereas  they  speak  against  you  as  evil  doers,  they  may  by  your 
good  works,  which  they  shall  behold,  glorify  God  in  the  day  of  visita¬ 
tion. 

113.  cMal.  ii.  2.  If  ye  will  not  hear,  and  if  ye  will  not  lay  it  to  heart, 
to  give  glory  unto  my  name,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  I  will  even  send 
a  curse  upon  you  and  I  will  curse  your  blessings. 

d  Acts  xvii.  23.  I  found  an  altar  with  this  inscription,  TO  THE 
UNKNOWN  GOD.  Whom  therefore  ye  ignorantly  worship,  him 
declare  I  unto  you. 

eProv.  xxx.  9.  Lest  I  be  full,  and  deny  thee,  and  say,  Who  is  the 
Lord  ?  or  lest  I  be  poor,  and  steal,  and  take  the  name  of  my  God  in  vain. 

/Mai.  i.  6,  7, 12.  A  son  honoreth  his  father,  and  a  servant  his 
master:  if  then  l  be  a  father,  where  is  mine  honor?  and  if  I  be 
a  master,  where  is  my  fear?  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts  unto  you,  O 
priests,  that  despise  my  name.  And  ye  say,  Wherein  have  we  de¬ 
spised  thy  name  ?  Ye  offer  polluted  bread  upon  mine  altar ;  and  ye  say, 
Wherein  have  we  polluted  thee?  In  that  ye  say,  The  table  of  the 
Lord  is  contemptible.— But  ye  have  profaned  it,  in  that  ye  say,  The 
table  of  the  Lord  is  polluted ;  and  the  fruit  thereof,  even  his  meat,  is 
contemptible. 

c  Jer.  vii.  4.  Trust  ye  not  in  lying  words,  saying,  The  temple  of  the 
Lord,  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  are  these.  See 
verses  9, 10, 14,  31.  1  Sam.  iv.  3,  5.  And  when  the  people  were  come 
into  the  camp,  the  elders  of  Israel  said,  Wherefore  hath  the  Lord 
smitten  us  to  day  before  the  Philistines?  Let  us  fetch  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord  out  of  Shiloh  unto  us,  that,  when  it  eometli 
among  us,  it  may  save  us  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies.— And  when 
the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  came  into  the  camp,  all  Israel 
shouted  with  a  great  shout,  so  that  the  earth  rang  again. 

h  Ex.  v.  2.  And  Pharaoh  said,  Who  is  the  Lord,  that  I  should  obey 
his  voice  to  let  Israel  go?  Psa.  cxxxix.  20.  For  they  speak  against 
thee  wickedly,  and  thine  enemies  take  thy  name  in  vain.  See  2  Kings 
xviii.  30'.  35. 

*Psa.  1. 16, 17.  But  unto  the  wicked  God  saith,  What  hast  thou  to 
do  to  declare  my  statutes,  or  that  thou  shouldest  take  my  covenant  in 
thy  mouth  ?  Seeing  thou  hatest  instruction,  and  castest  my  words  be¬ 
hind  thee.  1  Cor.  xi.  21-23.  For  in  eating  every  one  taketh  before 
other  his  own  supper :  and  one  is  hungry,  and  another  is  drunken. 
What!  have  ye  not  houses  to  eat  and  to  drink  in?  or  despise  ye  the 


222 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


works,*  by  blasphemy/  perjury  ;m  all  sinful  cursing,71 
oaths,0  vows ,P  and  lots ;  Q  violating  of  our  oaths  and 
vows,  if  lawful ;  r  and  fulfilling  them,  if  of  things  un¬ 
lawful  ;s  murmuring  and  quarreling  at/  curious  pry- 

church  of  God,  and  shame  them  that  have  not?  What  shall  I  say  to 
you?  shall  I  praise  you  in  this?  I  praise  you  not.  For  I  have  received 
of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord 
Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread. 

*  Isa.  v.  12.  And  the  harp,  and  the  viol,  the  tabret  and  pipe,  and 
wine,  are  in  their  feasts :  but  they  regard  not  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
neither  consider  the  operation  of  his  hands. 

1 2  Kings  xix.  22.  Whom  hast  thou  reproached  and  blasphemed? 
and  against  whom  hast  thou  exalted  thy  voice,  and  lifted  up  thine 
eyes  on  high  ?  even  against  the  Holy  One  of  Israel.  See  Lev.  xxiv.  11. 

m  Zech.  v.  4.  And  it  shall  enter  into  the  house  of  the  thief,  and  into 
the  house  of  him  that  sweareth  falsely  by  my  name  :  and  it  shall  re¬ 
main  in  the  midst  of  his  house,  and  shall  consume  it. 

nRom.xii.l4.  Bless,  and  curse  not.  See  1  Sam.  xvii.43;  2Sam.xvi.5. 

°Jer.  v.  7.  How  shall  I  pardon  thee  for  this?  thy  children  have 
forsaken  me,  and  sworn  by  them  that  are  no  gods.  Jer.  xxiii.  10.  For 
because  of  swearing  the  land  mourneth.  Matt.  v.  34.  But  I  say  unto 
you,  Swear  not  at  all ;  neither  by  heaven  ;  for  it  is  God’s  throne.  See 
verses  33-37. 

p  Deut.  xxiii.  18.  Thou  shalt  not  bring  the  hire  of  a  whore,  or  the 
price  of  a  dog,  into  the  house  of  the  Lord  thy  God  for  any  vow.  Acts 
xxiii.  12,  14.  And  when  it  was  day,  certain  of  the  Jews  banded  to¬ 
gether,  and  bound  themselves  under  a  curse,  saying  that  they  would 
neither  eat  nor  drink  till  they  had  killed  Paul.— And  they  came  to 
the  chief  priests  and  elders,  and  said,  We  have  bound  ourselves  under 
a  great  curse,  that  we  will  eat  nothing  until  we  have  slain  Paul. 

9  Esth.  ix.  24.  Because  Haman  the  son  of  Hammedatha,  the  Agagite, 
the  enemy  of  all  the  Jews,  had  devised  against  the  Jews  to  destroy 
them,  and  had  cast  Pur,  that  is,  the  lot,  to  consume  them,  and  to  de¬ 
stroy  them.  See.  Psa.  xxii.  18. 

r  Psa.  xxiv.  4.  Who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto  vanity,  nor 
sworn  deceitfully.  Ezek.  xvii.  16,  18,  19.  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord 
God,  surely  in  the  place  where  the  king  dwelleth  that  made  him  king, 
whose  oath  he  despised,  and  whose  covenant  he  brake,  ei'en  with  him 
in  the  midst  of  Babylon  he  shall  die— Seeing  he  despised  the  oath  by 
breaking  the  covenant,  when,  lo,  he  had  given  his  hand,  and  hath 
done  all  these  things,  he  shall  not  escape.  Therefore  thus  saitli  the 
Lord  God;  As  I  live,  surely  mine  oath  that  he  l;ath  despised,  and  my 
covenant  that  he  hath  broken,  even  it  will  I  recompense  upon  his 
own  head. 

•  Mark  vi.  26.  And  the  king  was  exceeding  sorry  :  yet  for  his  oath’s 
sake,  and  for  their  sakes  which  sat  with  him,  he  would  not  reject  her. 
See  1  Sam.  xxv.  22,  32-34. 

•Horn.  ix.  14.  lty  20.  What  shall  we  say  then?  Is  there  unrighteous- 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


223 


ing  into,w  and  misapplying  of  God’s  decrees w  and  prov¬ 
idences  ; x  misinterpreting, V  misapplying,2  or  any  way 
perverting  the  Word,  or  any  part  of  it,a  to  profane 
jests,1 b  curious  and  unprofitable  questions,  vain  janglings, 
or  the  maintaining  of  false  doctrines  ; c  abusing  it,  the 


ness  with  God?  God  forbid.  Thou  wilt  say  then  unto  me,  Why  doth 
he  yet  find  fault?  For  who  hath  resisted  his  will?  Nay  but,  O  man, 
who  art  thou  that  repliest  against  God?  Shall  the  thing  formed  say 
to  him  that  formed  it,  Why  hast  thou  made  me  thus  ? 

uDeut.  xxix.  29.  The  secret  things  belong  unto  the  Lord. 

“'Rom.  iii.  5,  7,  8.  But  if  our  unrighteousness  commend  the  right¬ 
eousness  of  God,  what  shall  we  say?  Is  God  unrighteous  who  taketh 
vengeance?  (I  speak  as  a  man).— For  if  the  truth  of  God  hath  more 
abounded  through  my  lie  unto  his  glory;  why  yet  am  I  also  judged 
as  a  sinner?  And  not  rather,  (as  we  be  slanderously  reported,  and  as 
some  affirm  that  ye  say,)  Let  us  do  evil,  that  good  may  come?  whose 
damnation  is  just. 

*Eccl.  viii.  11.  Because  sentence  against  an  evil  work  is  not  exe¬ 
cuted  speedily,  therefore  the  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  fully  set  in 
them  to  do  evil.  See  Psa.  lxxiii.  12,  13;  Psa.  xxxix. 

y  Matt.  v.  38.  Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  been  said,  An  eye  for  an 
eye,  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth.  See  verses  21-48. 

55  Ezek.  xiii.  22.  Because  with  lies  ye  have  made  the  heart  of  the 
righteous  sad,  whom  I  have  not  made  sad ;  and  strengthened  the 
hands  of  the  wicked,  that  he  should  not  return  from  his  wicked  way, 
by  promising  him  life. 

« 2  Pet.  iii.  16.  Tn  which  are  some  things  hard  to  be  understood, 
which  they  that  are  unlearned  and  unstable  wrest,  as  they  do  also  the 
other  Scriptures,  unto  their  own  destruction.  Matt.  xxii.  29.  Jesus 
answered  and  said  unto  them,  Ye  do  err,  not  knowing  the  Scriptures, 
nor  the  power  of  God. 

6  Jer.  xxiii.  34,  36,  38.  And  as  for  the  prophet,  and  the  priest,  and  the 
people,  that  shall  say,  The  burden  of  the  Lord,  I  will  even  punish 
that  man  and  his  house.— And  the  burden  of  the  Lord  shall  ye  men¬ 
tion  no  more  ;  for  every  man’s  word  shall  be  his  burden :  for  ye  have 
perverted  the  words  of  the  living  God,  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  our  God. 
—But  since  ye  say,  The  burden  of  the  Lord  ;  therefore  thus  saith 
the  Lord;  Because  ye  say  this  word,  The  burden  of  the  Lord,  and  I 
have  sent  unto  you,  saying,  Ye  shall  not  say,  The  burden  of  the 
Lord. 

c  1  Tim.  vi.  4.  5,  20.  He  is  proud,  knowing  nothing,  but  doting  about 
questions  and  strifes  of  words,  whereof  cometh  envy,  strife,  railings, 
evil  surmisings,  Perverse  disputings  of  men  of  corrupt  minds,  and 
destitute  of  the  truth,  supposing  that  gain  is  godliness:  from  such 
withdraw  thyself.— O  Timothy,  keep  that  which  is  committed  to  thy 
trust,  avoiding  profane  and  vain  babblings,  and  oppositions  of  science 
falsely  so  called.  2  Tim.  ii.  14.  Charging  them  before  the  Lord  that 


224 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


creatures,  or  any  thing  contained  under  the  name  of 
God,  to  charms,1 d  or  sinful  lust  and  practices ; e  the  ma¬ 
ligning/  scorning, 0  reviling/  or  any  wise  opposing  of 
God’s  truth,  grace,  and  ways  ; i  making  profession  of  relig¬ 
ion  in  hypocrisy,  or  for  sinister  ends ; k  being  ashamed  of  it/ 


they  strive  not  about  words  to  no  profit,  but  to  the  subverting  of  the 
hearers.  Tit.  iii.  9.  But  avoid  foolish  questions,  and  genealogies,  and 
contentions,  and  strivings  about  the  law ;  for  they  are  unprofitable 
and  vain. 

d  Deut.  xviii.  10, 11.  There  shall  not  be  found  among  you  any  one 
that  maketh  his  son  or  his  daughter  to  pass  through  the  fire,  or  that 
useth  divination,  or  an  observer  of  times,  or  an  enchanter,  or  a  witch, 
Or  a  charmer,  or  a  consulter  with  familiar  spirits,  or  a  wizard,  or  a 
necromancer.  See  Acts  xix.  13. 

e  2  Tim.  iv.  3,  4.  For  the  time  will  come  when  they  will  not  endure 
sound  doctrine ;  but  after  their  own  lusts  shall  they  heap  to  them¬ 
selves  teachers,  having  itching  ears  ;  And  they  shall  turn  away  their 
ears  from  the  truth,  and  shall  be  turned  unto  fables.  See  Jude  4 ; 
Rom.  xiii.  13,  14;  1  Kings  xxi.  9,  10. 

/Acts  xiii.  45.  But  when  the  Jews  saw  the  multitudes,  they  were 
filled  with  envy,  and  spake  against  those  things  which  were  spoken 
by  Paul,  contradicting  and  blaspheming.  1  John  iii.  12.  Not  as  Cain, 
who  was  of  that  wicked  one,  and  slew  his  brother.  And  wherefore 
slew  he  him?  Because  his  own  works  were  evil,  and  his  brother's 
righteous. 

9  2  Pet.  iii.  3.  Knowing  this  first,  that  there  shall  come  in  the  last 
day  scoffers,  walking  after  their  own  lusts.  Psa.  i.  1.  Nor  sitteth  in 
the  seat  of  the  scornful. 

»  1  Pet.  iv.  4.  Wherein  they  think  it  strange  that  ye  run  not  with 
them  to  the  same  excess  of  riot,  speaking  evil  of  you. 

i  Acts  xiii.  45,  50.  But  when  the  Jews  saw  the  multitudes,  they  were 
filled  with  envy,  and  spake  against  those  things  which  were  spoken 
by  Paul,  contradicting  and  blaspheming.— But  the  Jews  stirred  up  the 
devout  and  honorable  women,  and  the  chief  men  of  the  city,  and 
raised  persecution  against  Paul  and  Barnabas,  and  expelled  them  out 
of  their  coasts.  Acts  iv.  18.  And  commanded  them  not  to  speak  at 
all,  nor  teach  in  the  name  of  Jesus.  See  Acts  xix.  9;  1  Th ess.  ii.  16; 
Heb.  x.  29. 

*  Matt,  xxiii.  14.  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites! 
for  ye  devour  widows’  houses,  and  for  a  pretence  make  long  prayer. 
2  Tim.  iii.  5.  Having  a  form  of  godliness,  but  denying  the  power 
thereof.  See  Matt.  vi.  1-3,  5,  16. 

1  Mark  viii.  38.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  be  ashamed  of  me,  and 
jf  my  words,  in  this  adulterous  and  sinful  generation,  of  him  also 
shall  the  Son  of  man  be  ashamed,  when  he  cometh  in  the  glory  of  his 
Father  with  the  holy  angels. 


THE  L AUGER  CATECHISM. 


225 


or  a  shame  to  it,  by  uncomfortable, m  unwise, n  unfruit¬ 
ful  0  and  offensive  walking, P  or  backsliding  from  it.? 

Q.  114.  What  reasons  are  annexed  to  the  third  command¬ 
ment  f 

A.  The  reasons  annexed  to  the  third  commandment,  in 
these  words,  u  the  Lord  thy  God”  and  “for  the  Lord  will 
not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain  ”  r  are,  be¬ 
cause  he  is  the  Lord  and  our  God,  therefore  his  name  is 
not  to  be  profaned  or  any  way  abused  by  us  ; s  especially 
because  he  will  be  so  far  from  acquitting  and  sparing  the 
transgressors  of  this  commandment,  as  that  he  will  not 
suffer  them  to  escape  his  righteous  judgment, ^albeit  many 
such  escape  the  censures  and  punishments  of  men.^ 

Q  115.  Which  is  the  fourth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  fourth  commandment  is,  Remember  the  Sabbath - 

mPsa.  lxxiii.  14, 15.  For  all  the  day  long  have  I  been  plagued,  and 
chastened  every  morning.  If  I  say,  I  will  speak  thus ;  behold,  I 
should  offend  against  the  generation  of  thy  children. 

n  Eph.  v.  15-17.  See  then  that  ye  walk  circumspectly,  not  as  fools, 
but  as  wise,  Redeeming  the  time,  because  the  days  are  evil.  Where¬ 
fore  be  ye  not  unwise,  but  understanding  what  the  will  of  the  Lord 
is.  See  1  Cor.  vi.  5,  6. 

0  Isa.  v.  4.  What  could  have  been  done  more  to  my  vineyard,  that  I 
have  not  done  in  it  ?  Wherefore,  when  I  looked  that  it  should  bring 
forth  grapes,  brought  it  forth  wild  grapes?  See  2  Pet.  i.  8,  9. 

pRom.  ii.  23,  24.  Thou  that  makest  thy  boast  of  the  law,  through 
breaking  the  law  dishonorest  thou  God?  For  the  name  of  God  is 
blasphemed  among  the  Gentiles  through  you. 

9  Gal.  iii.  1,  3.  O  foolish  Galatians,  who  hath  bewitched  you,  that 
ye  should  not  obey  the  truth,  before  whose  eyes  Jesus  Christ  hath 
been  evidently  set  forth,  crucified  among  you?— Are  ye  so  foolish? 
having  begun  in  the  Spirit,  are  ye  now  made  perfect  by  the  flesh  ?  See 
Heb.  vi.  6. 

114.  r  Ex.  xx.  7. 

*  Lev.  xix.  12.  And  ye  shall  not  swear  by  my  name  falsely,  neither 
shalt  thou  profane  the  name  of  thy  God.  I  am  the  Lord. 

*  Deut.  xxviii.  58,  59.  If  thou  wilt  not  observe  to  do  all  the  words 
of  this  law  that  are  written  in  this  book,  that  thou  mayest  fear  this 
glorious  and  fearful  name,  THE  LORD  THY  GOD ;  Then  the  Lord 
will  make  thy  plagues  wonderful,  and  the  plagues  of  thy  seed,  even 
great  plagues,  and  of  long  continuance.  See  Ezek.  xxxvi.  21-23. 

u  1  Sam.  iii.  13.  For  I  have  told  him  that  I  will  judge  his  house  for 
ever  for  the  iniquity  which  he  knoweth  :  because  his  sons  made  them¬ 
selves  vil-e,  and  he  restrained  them  not.  See  1  Sam.  ii.  12-17,  22-25. 

15 


226 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  days  shalt  thou  labor ,  and  do  all  thy 
work :  but  the  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy 
God:  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work ,  thou ,  nor  thy  son,  nor 
thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant ,  nor  thy  maidservant ,  nor  thy 
cattle ,  wor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates  ;  for  in  six 
days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth ,  the  sea.  and  all  that  in 
them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day :  wherefore  the  Lord 
blessed  the  Sabbath-day  and  hallowed  it.w 

Q.  116.  What  is  required  in  the  fourth  commandment? 

A.  The  fourth  commandment  requireth  of  all  men  the 
sanctifying  or  keeping  holy  to  God  such  set  times  as  he 
hath /appointed  in  his  Word,  expressly  one  whole  day  in 
seven  ;  which  was  the  seventh  from  the  beginning  of  the 
world  to  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  and  the  first  day  of  the 
week  ever  since,  and  so  to  continue  to  the  end  of  the 
world  ;  which  is  the  Christian  Sabbath,*  and  in  the  New 
Testament  called  The  Lord’s  Day.v 

Q.  117.  How  is  the  Sabbath  or  Lords  Day  to  be  sancti¬ 
fied  ? 

A.  The  Sabbath  or  Lord’s  Day  is  to  be  sanctified  by  an 
holy  resting  all  that  day, 2  not  only  from  such  works  as  are 


115.  wEx.  xx.  8-11. 

116.  *Gen.  ii.  3.  And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  sanctified 
it:  because  that  in  it  he  had  rested  from  all  his  work  which  God 
created  and  made.  1  Cor.  xvi.  2.  Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week  let 
every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God  hath  prospered  him. 
Acts  xx.  7.  And  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when  the  disciples 
came  together  to  break  bread,  Paul  preached  unto  them,  ready  to 
depart  on  the  morrow.  John  xx.  19,  26.  Then  the  same  day  at  even¬ 
ing,  being  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when  the  doors  were  shut  where 
the  disciples  were  assembled  for  fear  of  the  Jews,  came  Jesus  and 
stood  in  the  midst,  and  saith  unto  them,  Peace  be  unto  you.— And 
after  eight  days  again  his  disciples  were  within,  and  Thomas  with 
them  :  then  came  Jesus,  the  doors  being  shut,  and  stood  in  the  midst, 
and  said,  Peace  be  unto  you.  See  Matt.  v.  17, 18 ;  Isa.  lvi.  2,  4,  6,  7. 

v  Rev.  i.  10.  I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord’s  day. 

117.  » Ex.  xx.  8,  10.  Remember  the  sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy, 
But  the  seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God :  in  it  thou 
shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man¬ 
servant,  nor  thy  maidservant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  it 
within  thy  gates. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


227 


at  all  times  sinful,  but  even  from  such  worldly  employ¬ 
ments  and  recreations  as  are  on  other  davs  lawful ;  a  and 
making  it  our  delight  to  spend  the  whole  time  (except  so 
much  of  it  as  is  to  be  taken  up  in  works  of  necessity  and 
mercy)  b  in  the  public  and  private  exercises  of  God’s  wor¬ 
ship.0  And,  to  that  end,  we  are  to  prepare  our  hearts,  and 
with  such  foresight,  diligence,  and  moderation,  to  dispose, 
and  seasonably  to  despatch  our  worldly  business,  that  we 
may  be  the  more  free  and  fit  for  the  duties  of  that  day.d 

aEx.  xvi.  25,  26.  And  Moses  said,  Eat  that  to  day  ;  for  to  day  is  a 
sabbath  unto  the  Lord:  to  day  ye  shall  not  find  it  in  the  field.  Six 
days  ye  shall  gather  it ;  but  on  the  seventh  day,  which  is  the  sabbath, 
in  it  there  shall  be  none.  Jer  xvii.  21,  22.  Thus  saith  the  Lord  ;  Take 
heed  to  yourselves,  and  bear  no  burden  on  the  sabbath  day,  nor  bring 
it  in  by  the  gates  of  Jerusalem  :  Neither  carry  forth  a  burden  out  of 
your  houses  on  the  sabbath  day,  neither  do  ye  any  work  ;  but  hallow 
ye  the  sabbath  day  as  I  commanded  your  fathers.  See  Neh.  xiii.  15- 
22. 

b  Matt.  xii.  1-5.  At  that  time  Jesus  went  on  the  sabbath  day 
through  the  corn;  and  his  disciples  were  a  hungered,  and  began  to 
pluck  the  ears  of  corn,  and  to  eat.  But  when  the  Pharisees  saw  it, 
they  said  unto  him,  Behold,  thy  disciples  do  that  which  is  not  lawful 
to  do  upon  the  sabbath  day.  But  he  said  unto  them,  Have  ye  not 
read  what  David  did,  when  he  was  a  hungered,  and  they  that  were 
with  him;  How  he  entered  into  the  house  of  God,  and  did  eat  the, 
showbread,  which  was  not  lawful  for  him  to  eat,  neither  for  them 
which  were  with  him,  but  only  for  the  priests  ?  Or  have  ye  not  read 
in  the  law,  how  that  on  the  sabbath  days  the  priests  in  the  temple 
profane  the  sabbath,  and  are  blameless?  See  verses  6-13. 

eLev.  xxiii.  3.  Six  days  shall  work  be  done :  but  the  seventh  day  is 
the  sabbath  of  rest,  a  holy  convocation.  Isa.  lviii.  13.  If  thou  turn 
away  thy  foot  from  the  sabbath,  from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy 
day  ;  and  call  the  sabbath  a  delight,  the  holy  of  the  Lord,  honorable  ; 
and  shalt  honor  him,  not  doing  thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine 
own  pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine  own  words.  Luke  iv.  16.  And,  as 
his  custom  was,  he  went  into  the  synagogue  on  the  sabbath  day,  and 
stood  up  for  to  read.  Acts  xx.  7.  And  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week, 
when  the  disciples  came  together  to  break  bread,  Paul  preached  unto 
them,  ready  to  depart  on  the  morrow ;  and  continued  his  speech 
until  midnight. 

dEx.  xx.  8.  Remember  the  sabbath  day,  to  keep  it  holy.  Luke 
xxiii.  54,  56.  And  that  day  was  the  preparation,  and  the  sabbath 
drew  on.— And  they  returned,  and  prepared  spices  and  ointments  ; 
and  rested  the  sabbath  day  according  to  the  commandment.  Neh. 
xiii.  19.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  the  gates  of  Jerusalem  began 
to  be  dark  before  the  sabbath,  I  commanded  that  the  gates  should  be 


228 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  118.  Why  is  the  charge  of  keeping  the  Sabbath  more 
specially  directed  to  governors  of  families  and  other  superiors  ? 

A.  The  charge  of  keeping  the  Sabbath  is  more  specially 
directed  to  governors  of  families  and  other  superiors,  be¬ 
cause  they  are  bound  not  only  to  keep  it  themselves,  but 
to  see  that  it  be  observed  by  all  those  that  are  under  their 
charge;  and  because  they  are  prone  oft-times  to  hinder 
them  by  employments  of  their  own.6 

Q.  119.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  fourth  com¬ 
mandment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  fourth  commandment  are, 
all  omissions  of  the  duties  required/ all  careless,  negligent, 
and  unprofitable  performing  of  them,  and  being  weary  of 
them  ;  9  all  profaning  the  day  by  idleness,  and  doing  that 
which  is  in  itself  sinful ; h  and  by  all  needless  works, 
words,  and  thoughts,  about  our  worldly  employments  and 
recreations.* 

Q.  120.  What  are  the  reasons  annexed  to  the  fourth  com¬ 
mandment,  the  more  to  enforce  it  f 


shut,  and  charged  that  they  should  not  be  opened  till  after  the  sab¬ 
bath. 

118.  *  Lx.  xxiii.  12.  Six  days  thou  shalt  do  thy  work,  and  on  the 
seventh  day  thou  shalt  rest :  that  thine  ox  and  thine  ass  may  rest, 
and  the  son  of  thy  handmaid,  and  the  stranger,  may  be  refreshed. 
See  Ex.  xx.  10. 

119.  /Ezek.  xxii.  26.  Her  priests  have  violated  my  law,  and  have 
profaned  mine  holy  things:  they  have  put  no  difference  between  the 
holy  and  profane,  neither  have  they  showed  difference  between  the 
unclean  and  the  clean,  and  have  hid  their  eyes  from  my  sabbaths, 
and  I  am  profaned  among  them. 

g  Amos  viii.  5.  Saying,  When  will  the  new  moon  be  gone,  that  we 
may  sell  corn  ?  and  the  sabbath,  that  we  may  set  forth  wheat,  mak¬ 
ing  the  ephah  small,  and  the  shekel  great,  and  falsifying  the  balances 
by  deceit  ? 

h Ezek.  xxiii.  38.  Moreover,  this  they  have  done  unto  me:  they 
have  defiled  my  sanctuary  in  the  same  day,  and  have  profaned  my 
sabbaths. 

»Jer.  xvii.  27.  But  if  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  me  to  hallow  the 
sabbath  day,  and  not  to  bear  a  burden,  even  entering  in  at  the  gates 
of  Jerusalem  on  the  sabbath  day  ;  then  will  I  kindle  a  fire  in  the 
gates  thereof,  and  it  shall  devour  the  palaces  of  Jerusalem,  and  it 
shall  not  be  quenched.  See  Isa.  lviii.  13. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


-  229 


A.  The  reasons  annexed  to  the  fourth  commandment, 
the  more  to  enforce  it,  are  taken  from  the  equity  of  it, 
God  allowing  us  six  days  of  seven  for  our  own  affairs,  and 
reserving  but  one  for  himself,  in  these  words,  six  days  shalt 
thou  labor  and  do  all  thy  work  :  k  from  God’s  challenging  a 
special  propriety  in  that  day,  the  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath 
of  the  Lord  thy  God: 1  from  the  example  of  God,  who  in  six 
days  made  heaven  and  earth ,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is , 
and  rested  the  seventh  day :  and  from  that  blessing  which 
God  put  upon  that  day,  not  only  in  sanctifying  it  to  be  a 
day  for  his  service,  but  in  ordaining  it  to  be  a  means  of 
blessing  to  us  in  our  sanctifying  it,  wherefore  the  Lord 
blessed  the  Sabbath-day  and  hallowed  it.m 

Q.  121.  Why  is  the  word  remember  set  in  the  beginning 
of  the  fourth  commandment? 

A.  The  word  remember  is  set  in  the  beginning  of  the 
fourth  commandment,71  partly,  because  of  the  great  benefit 
of  remembering  it,  we  being  thereby  helped  in  our  prepa¬ 
ration  to  keep  it ; 0  and,  in  keeping  it,  better  to  keep  all 
the  rest  of  the  commandments, P  and  to  continue  a  thank¬ 
ful  remembrance  of  the  two  great  benefits  of  creation  and 
redemption,  which  contain  a  short  abridgment  of  religion :  Q 


120.  *Ex.  xx.  9. 

1  Ex.  xx.  10. 

mEx.  xx.  11. 

121.  nEx.  xx.  8. 

"Ex.  xvi.  23.  To  morrow  is  the  rest  of  the  holy  sabbath  unto  the 
Lord  :  bake  that  which  ye  will  bake  to  day ,  and  seethe  that  ye  will 
seethe ;  and  that  which  remaineth  over  lay  up  for  you  to  be  kept 
until  the  morning.  Mark  xv.  42.  And  now  when  the  even  was  come, 
because  it  was  the  preparation,  that  is,  the  day  before  the  sabbath. 

p  Ezek.  xx.  12, 19,  20.  Moreover  also  I  gave  them  my  sabbaths,  to  be 
a  sign  between  me  and  them,  that  they  might  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord  that  sanctify  them.— I  am  the  Lord  your  God ;  walk  in  my  stat¬ 
utes,  and  keep  my  judgments,  and  do  them ;  And  hallow  my  sab¬ 
baths  ;  and  they  shall  be  a  sign  between  me  and  you,  that  ye  may 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 

? Gen.  ii.  2,  3.  And  on  the  seventh  day  God  ended  his  work  which 
he  had  made;  and  he  rested  on  the  seventh  day  from  all  his  work 
which  he  had  made.  And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  sanctified 
it:  because  that  in  it  he  had  rested  from  all  his  work  which  God  cre-^ 
ated  and  made.  Psa.  cxviii.  22,  24.  The  stone  which  the  builders  re* 


230 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


and  partly  because  we  are  ready  to  forget  it/  for  that  there 
is  less  light  of  nature  for  it/  and  yet  it  restrainetli  our  nat¬ 
ural  liberty  in  things  at  other  times  lawful ; 1  that  it  com- 
eth  but  once  in  seven  days,  and  many  worldly  businesses 
come  between,  and  too  often  take  off  our  minds  from 
thinking  of  it,  either  to  prepare  for  it,  or  to  sanctify  it;u 
and  that  Satan  with  his  instruments,  much  labor  to  blot 
out  the  glory,  and  even  the  memory  of  it,  and  to  bring  in 
all  irreligion  and  impiety.™ 

Q.  122.  What  is  the  sum  of  the  six  commandments  which 
contain  our  duty  to  man  f 

A.  The  sum  of  the  six  commandments  which  contain 


fused  is  become  the  head  stone  of  the  corner.— This  is  the  day  which 
the  Lord  hath  made  ;  we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it.  Mark  xvi. 
2-6.  And  very  early  in  the  morning,  the  first  day  of  the  week,  they 
came  unto  the  sepulchre  at  the  rising  of  the  sun.  And  they  said 
among  themselves,  Who  shall  roll  us  away  the  stone  from  the  door 
of  the  sepulchre  ?  And  when  they  looked,  they  saw  that  the  stone 
was  rolled  away  :  for  it  was  very  great.  And  entering  into  the  sepul¬ 
chre,  they  saw  a  young  man  sitting  on  the  right  side,  clothed  in  a 
long  white  garment ;  and  they  were  affrighted.  And  he  saith  unto 
them,  Be  not  affrighted  :  ye  seek  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  which  was  cruci¬ 
fied  :  he  is  risen ;  he  is  not  here :  behold  the  place  where  they  laid 
him.  Rev.  i.  10.  I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord  s  day. 

rEzek.  xxii.  26.  Her  priests  have  violated  my  law,  and  have  pro¬ 
faned  mine  holy  things:  they  have  put  no  difference  between  the 
holy  and  profane,  neither  have  they  showed  difference  between  the 
unclean  and  the  clean,  and  have  hid  their  eyes  from  mj  sabbaths, 

and  I  am  profaned  among  them. 

•  Neh.  ix.  14.  And  madest  known  unto  them  thy  holy  sabbath,  and 
commandedst  them  precepts,  statutes,  and  laws,  by  the  hand  of  Moses 
thy  servant. 

t  Rx.  xxxiv.  21.  Six  days  thou  shalt  work,  but  on  the  se\enth  day 
thou  shalt  rest:  in  earing  time  and  in  harvest  thou  shalt  rest. 

v  Ex.  xx.  0.  Six  days  shalt  thou  labor.  Amos  viii.  5.  Saying, 
When  will  the  new  moon  be  gone,  that  we  may  sell  corn?  and  the 
sabbath,  that  we  may  set  forth  wheat,  making  the  ephah  small,  and 
the  shekel  great,  and  falsifying  the  balances  by  deceit? 

•r  Jer.  xvii.  21-23.  Thus  saith  the  Lord;  Take  heed  to  yourselves, 
and  bear  no  burden  on  the  sabbath  day,  nor  bring  it  in  by  the  gates 
of  Jerusalem  ;  Neither  carry  forth  a  burden  out  of  your  houses  on 
the  sabbath  day,  neither  do  ye  any  work,  but  hallow  ye  the  sabbath 
day,  as  I  commanded  your  fathers.  But  they  obeyed  not,  neither  in¬ 
clined  their  ear,  but  made  their  neck  stiff,  that  they  might  not  hear 
nor  receive  instruction.  See  Neh.  xiii.  15-23. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


231 


our  duty  to  man,  is,  to  love  our  neighbor  as  ourselves,31 
and  to  do  to  others  what  we  would  have  them  to  do  to  us.!/ 

Q.  123.  Which  is  the  fifth  commandment  f 

A.  The  fifth  command  is,  Honor  thy  father  and  thy 
mother,  that  thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee.z 

Q.  124.  Who  are  meant  by  father  and  mother,  in  the  fifth 
commandment  ? 

A.  By  father  and  mother ,  in  the  fifth  commandment,  are 
meant  not  only  natural  parents, a  but  all  superiors  in  age^ 
and  gifts ;  c  and  especially  such  as  by  God’s  ordinance  are 
over  us  in  place  of  authority,  whether  in  family, church, 
or  commonwealth./ 

Q.  125.  Why  are  superiors  styled  father  and  mother  ? 

A.  Superiors  are  styled  father  and  mother,  both  to  teach 
them  in  all  duties  towards  their  inferiors,  like  natural  par¬ 
ents,  to  express  love  and  tenderness  to  them,  according  to 


122.  *Matt.  xxii.  39.  And  the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love 
thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 

y  Matt.  vii.  12.  Therefore  all  things  whatsoever  ye  would  that  men 
should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them  :  for  this  is  the  law  and  the 
prophets. 

123.  z  Ex.  xx.  12. 

124.  «Prov.  xxiii.  22,  25.  Hearken  unto  thy  father  that  begat  thee, 
and  despise  not  thy  mother  when  she  is  old.— Thy  father  and  thy 
mother  shall  be  glad,  and  she  that  bare  thee  shall  rejoice.  See  Eph. 
vi.  1,  2. 

h  1  Tim.  v.  1,  2.  Rebuke  not  an  elder,  but  entreat  him,  as  a  father  ; 
and  the  younger  men  as  brethren  ;  The  elder  women  as  mothers  ;  the 
younger  as  sisters. 

cGen.  iv.  20,  21.  And  Adah  bare  Jabal :  he  was  the  father  of  such  as 
dwell  in  tents,  and  of  such  as  have  cattle.  And  his  brother’s  name 
was  Jubal:  he  was  the  father  of  all  such  as  handle  the  harp  and. 
organ.  Gen.  xlv.  8.  And  he  hath  made  me  a  father  to  Pharaoh. 

d2  Kings  v.  13.  And  his  servants  came  near,  and  spake  unto  him, 
and  said,  My  Father,  if  the  prophet  had  bid  thee  do  some  great  thing, 
wouldst  thou  not  have  done  it? 

•Gal.  iv.  19.  My  little  children,  of  whom  I  travail  in  birth  again 
until  Christ  be  formed  in  you.  2  Kings  ii.  12.  And  Elisha  saw  it,  and 
he  cried,  My  father,  my  father,  the  chariot  of  Israel,  and  the  horse¬ 
men  thereof!  See  2  Kings  xiii.  14. 

•flsa.  xlix.  23.  And  kings  shall  be  thy  nursing  fathers,  and  their 
queens  thy  nursing  mothers. 


232 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


their  several  relations ;  9  and  to  work  inferiors  to  a  greater 
willingness  and  cheerfulness  in  performing  their  duties  to 
their  superiors,  as  to  their  parents.** 

Q.  126.  What  is  the  general  scope  of  the  fifth  command¬ 
ment  ? 

A.  The  general  scope  of  the  fifth  commandment  is  the 
performance  of  those  duties  which  we  mutually  owe  in  our 
several  relations,  as  inferiors,  superiors,  or  equals.1 

Q.  127.  What  is  the  honor  that  inferiors  owe  to  superiors  f 
A.  The  honor  which  inferiors  owe  to  their  superiors  is, 
all  due  reverence  in  heart,* *  word,*  and  behavior ; m  prayer 
and  thanksgiving  for  them ; 71  imitation  of  their  virtues 

125.  o  Eph.  vi.  4.  And,  ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to 
wrath  :  but  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 
1  Thess.  ii.  7,  8,  11.  But  we  were  gentle  among  you,  even  as  a  nurse 
cherislieth  her  children :  So  being  affectionately  desirous  of  you,  we 
were  willing  to  have  imparted  unto  you,  not  the  gospel  of  God  only, 
but  also  our  own  souls,  because  ye  were  dear  unto  us.— As  ye  know 
how  we  exhorted  and  comforted  and  charged  every  one  of  you,  as  a 
father  doth  his  children.  See  Num.  xi.  11,  12,  16. 

h  1  Cor.  iv.  14-16.  I  write  not  these  things  to  shame  you,  but  as  my 
beloved  sons  I  warn  you.  For  though  ye  have  ten  thousand  in¬ 
structors  in  Christ,  yet  have  ye  not  many  fathers :  for  in  Christ  Jesus 
I  have  begotten  you  through  the  gospel.  Wherefore  I  beseech  you, 
be  ye  followers  of  me. 

126.  4  Eph.  v.  21.  Submittihg  yourselves  one  to  another  in  the  fear 
of  God.  1  Pet.  ii.  17.  Honor  all  men.  Love  the  brotherhood.  Fear 
God.  Honor  the  king.  Rom.  xii.  10.  Be  kindly  affectioned  one  to 
another  with  brotherly  love;  in  honor  preferring  one  another. 

127.  *  Mai.  i.  6.  A  son  honoreth  his  father,  and  a  servant  his  master : 
if  then  I  he  a  father,  where  is  mine  honor?  and  if  I  be  a  master,  where 
is  my  fear?  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts  unto  you,  O  priests,  that  despise 
m t  name.  And  ye  say,  Wherein  have  we  despised  thy  name?  Lev. 
nix.  3.  Ye  shall  fear  every  man  his  mother,  and  his  father. 

*Prov.  xxxi.  28.  Her  children  arise  up,  and  call  her  blessed;  her 
husband  also,  and  he  praiseth  her.  1  Pet.  iii.  6.  Even  as  Sarah  obeyec. 
Abraham,  calling  him  lord. 

"» Lev.  xix.  32.  Thou  shalt  rise  up  before  the  hoary  head,  and  honor 
the  face  of  tfce  old  man.  1  Kings  ii.  19.  Bath-sheba  therefore  went 
unto  king  Solomon,  to  speak  unto  him  for  Adonijah.  And  the  king 
rose  up  to  meet  her,  and  bowed  himself  unto  her,  and  sat  down  on 
his  throne,  and  caused  a  seat  to  be  set  for  the  king’s  mother;  and  she 
sat  on  his  right  hand. 

*•1  Tim.  ii.  1,  2.  T  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplications, 
prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of  thanks  be  made  for  all  men ;  For 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


233 


and  graces  ; 0  willing  obedience  to  their  lawful  commands 
and  counsels  ;  P  due  submission  to  their  corrections ;  Q  fidel¬ 
ity  to/  defence s  and  maintenance  of  their  persons  and  au¬ 
thority,  according  to  their  several  ranks,  and  the  nature 
of  their  places ; t  bearing  with  their  infirmities,  and  cov- 


kings,  and  for  all  that  are  in  authority  ;  that  we  may  lead  a  quiet  and 
peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and  honesty. 

3  Heb.  xiii.  7.  Remember  them  which  have  the  rule  over  you,  who 
have  spoken  unto  you  the  word  of  God  :  whose  faith  follow,  consider¬ 
ing  the  end  of  their  conversation.  Phil.  iii.  17.  Brethren,  be  followers 
together  of  me,  and  mark  them  which  walk  so  as  ye  have  us  for  an 
ensample. 

pEph.  vi.  1,  2,  5-7.  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord:  for 
this  is  right.  Honor  thy  father  and  mother  ;  which  is  the  first  com¬ 
mandment  with  promise.— Servants,  be  obedient  to  them  that  are 
your  masters  according  to  the  flesh,  with  fear  and  trembling,  in 
singleness  of  your  heart,  as  unto  Christ ;  Not  with  eyeservice,  as  men- 
pleasers ;  but  as  the  servants  of  Christ,  doing  the  will  of  God  from  the 
heart ;  With  good  will  doing  service,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  to  men. 

1  Pet.  ii.  13, 14.  Submit  yourselves  to  every  ordinance  of  man  for  the 
Lord’s  sake :  whether  it  be  to  the  king,  as  supreme ;  Or  unto  gover¬ 
nors,  as  unto  them  that  are  sent  by  him  for  the  punishment  of  evil 
floers,  and  for  the  praise  of  them  that  do  well.  See  Rom.  xiii.  1-6; 
Heb.  xiii.  17  ;  Prov.  iv.  3,  4;  xxiii.  22. 

< i  Heb.  xii.  9.  Furthermore,  we  have  had  fathers  of  our  flesh  which 
corrected  us,  and  we  gave  them  reverence.  1  Pet.  ii.  18-20.  Servants, 
he  subject  to  your  masters  with  all  fear ;  not  only  to  the  good  and 
gentle,  but  also  to  the  froward.  For  this  is  thankworthy,  if  a  man  for 
conscience  toward  God  endure  grief,  suffering  wrongfully.  For  what 
glory  is  it,  if,  when  ye  be  buffeted  for  your  faults,  ye  shall  take  it 
patiently?  but  if,  when  ye  do  well,  and  suffer  for  it,  ye  take  it 
patiently,  this  is  acceptable  with  God. 

r  Tit.  ii.  9, 10.  Exhort  servants  to  be  obedient  unto  their  own  mas¬ 
ters,  and  to  please  them  well  in  all  things  ;  not  answering  again  ;  Not 
purloining,  but  showing  all  good  fidelity ;  that  they  may  adorn  the 
doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things. 

*1  Sam.  xxvi.  15,  16.  And  David  said  to  Abner,  Art  not  thou  a 
inliant  man?  and  who  is  like  to  thee  in  Israel?  wherefore  then  hast 
Ai ou  not  kept  thy  lord  the  king?  for  there  came  one  of  the  people  in 
to  destroy  the  king  thy  lord.  This  thing  is  not  good  that  thou  hast 
done.  As  the  Lord  liveth,  ye  are  worthy  to  die,  because  ye  have  not 
kept  your  master,  the  Lord’s  anointed.  And  now  see  where  the 
king’s  spear  is,  and  the  cruse  of  water  that  was  at  his  bolster.  See 

2  Sam.  xviii.  3;  Esth.  vi.  2. 

« Matt.  xxii.  21.  Then  saith  he  unto  them,  Render  therefore  unto 
Cesar  the  things  which  are  Cesar’s;  and  unto  God  the  things  that 
are  God’s.  Rom.  xiii.  6,  7.  For  this  cause  pay  ye  tribute  also:  for 


234 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


ering  them  in  love, u  that  so  they  may  be  an  honor  to  them 
and  to  their  government. w 

Q.  128.  What  are  the  sins  of  inferiors  against  their  su¬ 
periors  ? 

A.  The  sins  of  inferiors  against  their  superiors  are,  all 
neglect  of  the  duties  required  toward  them  ; x  envying  at, V 
contempt  of,* 1 2 * *  and  rebellion a  against  their  persons5 6  and 


they  are  God's  ministers,  attending  continually  upon  this  very  thing. 
Render  therefore  to  all  their  dues:  tribute  to  whom  tribute  indue; 
custom  to  whom  custom  ;  fear  yo  whom  fear  ;  honor  to  whom  honor. 

1  Tim.  v.  17,  18.  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well  be  counted  worthy  of 
double  honor,  especially  they  who  labor  in  the  word  and  doctrine. 
For  the  Scripture  saith,  Thou  #halt  not  muzzle  the  ox  that  treadeth 
out  the  corn.  And,  The  labo?  er  is  worthy  of  his  reward.  See  Gal.  vi. 
6 ;  Gen.  xlv.  11 ;  xlvii.  12. 

u  Gen.  ix.  23.  And  Shem  and  Japheth  took  a  garment,  and  laid  it 
upon  both  their  shoulders,  and  went  backward,  and  covered  the 
nakedness  of  their  father;  and  their  faces  were  backward,  and  they 
saw  not  their  father’s  nakedness.  See  1  Pet.  ii.  18;  Prov.  xxiii.  22. 

w  Psa.  cxxvii.  3-5.  Lo,  children  are  a  heritage  of  the  Lord:  and  the 
fruit  of  the  womb  is  his  reward.  As  arrow's  are  in  the  hand  of  a 
mighty  man ;  so  are  children  of  the  youth.  Happy  is  the  man  that 
hath  his  quiver  full  of  them:  they  shall  not  be  ashamed,  but  they 
shall  speak  with  the  enemies  in  the  gate.  Prov.  xxxi.  23.  Her 
husband  is  know'n  in  the  gates,  when  he  Kitteth  among  the  elders  of 
the  land. 

128.  *Matt.  xv.  4-6.  For  God  commanded,  saying,  Honor  thy 
father  and  mother:  and,  He  that  curseth  father  or  mother,  let  him 
die  the  death.  But  ye  say,  Whosoever  shall  say  to  his  father  or  his 
mother,  It  is  a  gift,  by  whatsoever  thou  mightest  be  profited  by  me; 
And  honor  not  his  father  or  his  mother,  he  shall  he  free.  Thus  have 
ye  made  the  commandment  of  God  of  none  effect  by  your  tradition. 

y  Num.  xi.  28,  29.  And  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  the  servant  of  Moses, 
one  of  his  young  men,  answ'ered  and  said,  My  lord  Moses,  forbid 
them.  And  Moses  said  unto  him,  Enviest  thou  for  my  sake?  would 
God  that  all  the  Lord’s  people  wrere  prophets. 

*  1  Sam.  viii.  7.  For  they  have  not  rejected  thee,  but  they  have  re¬ 
jected  me,  that  I  should  not  reign  over  them.  Isa.  iii.  5.  And  the 
people  shall  be  oppressed,  every  one  by  another,  and  every  one  by  his 
neighbor:  the  child  shall  behave  himself  proudly  against  the  ancient, 
and  the  base  against  the  honorable. 

a2Sam.  xv.  10.  But  Absalom  sent  spies  throughout  all  the  tribes 
of  Israel,  saying,  As  soon  as  ye  hear  the  sound  of  the  trumpet,  then 
ye  shall  say,  Absalom  reigneth  in  Hebron.  See  verses  1-12. 

6  Ex.  xxi.  15.  And  he  that  smiteth  his  father,  or  his  mother,  shall 
be  surely  put  to  death. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


235 


places,0  in  their  lawful  counsels, d  commands  and  correc¬ 
tions;0  cursing,  mocking,/ and  all  such  refractory  and 
scandalous  carriage,  as  proves  a  shame  and  dishonor  to 
them  and  their  government.^ 

Q.  129.  What  is  required  of  superiors  towards  their  in¬ 
feriors  ? 

A.  It  is  required  of  superiors,  according  to  that  power 
they  receive  from  God,  and  that  relation  wherein  they  stand, 
to  love,^  pray  for,2’  and  bless  their  inferiors ;  k  to  instruct/ 

C1  Sam.  x.  27.  But  the  children  of  Belial  said,  How  shall  this  man 
save  us?  And  they  despised  him,  and  brought  him  no  presents. 

d  1  Sam.  ii.  25.  Notwithstanding,  they  hearkened  n-ot  unto  the  voice 
of  their  father,  because  the  Lord  would  slay  them. 

«Deut.  xxi.  18-21.  If  a  man  have  a  stubborn  and  rebellious  son, 
which  will  not  obey  the  voice  of  his  father,  or  the  voice  of  his 
mother,  and  that,  when  they  have  chastened  him,  will  not  hearken 
unto  them :  Then  shall  his  father  and  his  mother  lay  hold  on  him, 
and  bring  him  out  unto  the  elders  of  his  city,  and  unto  the  gate  of 
his  place ;  And  they  shall  say  unto  the  elders  of  his  city,  This  our  son 
is  stubborn  and  rebellious,  he  will  not  obey  our  voice ;  he  is  a  glutton, 
and  a  drunkard.  And  all  the  men  of  his  city  shall  stone  him  with 
stones,  that  he  die:  so  shalt  thou  put  evil  away  from  among  you; 
and  all  Israel  shall  hear,  and  fear 

/ Prov.  xxx.  11, 17.  There  is  a  generation  that  curseth  their  father, 
and  doth  not  bless  their  mother.— The  eye  that  mocketh  at  his  father, 
and  despiseth  to  obey  his  mother,  tho  ravens  of  the  valley  shall  pick 
it  out,  and  the  young  eagles  shall  eat  it. 

s  Prov.  xix.  26.  He  that  wasteth  h-Js  father,  and  chaseth  away  his 
mother,  is  a  son  that  causeth  shame,  and  bringeth  reproach. 

129. *  *Col.  iii.  19.  Husbands,  love  your  wives,  and  be  not  bitter 
against  them.  Tit.  ii.  4.  That  they  may  teach  the  young  women  to  be 
sober,  to  love  their  husbands,  to  love  their  children. 

*1  Sam.  xii.  23.  Moreover  as  for  me,  God  forbid  that  I  should  sin 
against  the  Lord  in  ceasing  to  pray  for  you.  Job  i.  5.  And  it  was  so, 
when  the  days  of  their  feasting  were  gone  about,  that  Job  sent  and 
sanctified  them,  and  rose  up  early  in  the  morning,  and  offered  burnt 
offerings  according  to  the  number  of  them  all:  for  Job  said,  It  may 
be  that  my  sons  have  sinned,  and  cursed  God  in  their  hearts.  Thus 
did  Job  continually. 

*  1  Kings  viii.  55,  56.  And  he  stood,  and  blessed  all  the  congregation 
of  Israel  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  that  hath 
given  rest  unto  his  people  Israel,  according  to  all  that  he  promised: 
there  hath  not  failed  one  word  of  all  his  good  promise,  which  he 
promised  by  the  hand  of  Moses  his  servant.  See  Gen.  xlix.  28. 

*Deut.  vi.  6,  7.  And  these  words,  which  I  command  thee  this  day, 
shall  be  in  thine  heart :  And  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto 


236 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


counsel,  and  admonish  them ; m  countenancing,71  com¬ 
mending,0  and  rewarding  such  as  do  well;!5  and  discoun¬ 
tenancing,  Q  reproving,  and  chastising  such  as  do  ill ; r 
protecting,5  and  providing  for  them  all  things  necessary 
for  soul 1  and  body  :  u  and,  by  grave,  wise,  holy,  and  exem¬ 
plary  carriage,  to  procure  glory  to  God,™  honor  to  them¬ 
selves, : x  and  so  to  preserve  that  authority  which  God  hath 
put  upon  them. V 

thy  children,  and  shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine  house, 
and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and 
when  thou  risest  up. 

mEph.  vi.  4.  And,  ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to  wrath : 
but  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

n  1  Pet.  iii.  7.  Likewise,  ye  husbands,  dwell  with  them  according  to 
knowledge,  giving  honor  unto  the  wife,  as  unto  the  weaker  vessel, 
and  as  being  heirs  together  of  the  grace  of  life ;  that  your  prayers  be 
not  hindered. 

"Rom.  xiii.  3.  For  rulers  are  not  a  terror  to  good  w’orks,  but  to  the 
evil.  Wilt  thou  then  not  be  afraid  of  the  power?  do  that  which  is 
good,  and  thou  shalt  have  praise  of  the  same.  1  Pet.  ii.  14.  Or  unto 
governors,  as  unto  them  that  are  sent  by  him  for  the  punishment  of 
evil  doers,  and  for  the  praise  of  them  that  do  well. 

v  Esth.  vi.  3.  And  the  king  said,  What  honor  and  dignity  hath  been 
done  to  Mordecai  for  this  ?  Then  said  the  king’s  servants  that  minis¬ 
tered  unto  him,  There  is  nothing  done  for  him. 

9  Rom.  xiii.  4.  For  he  is  the  minister  of  God  to  thee  for  good.  But 
if  thou  do  that  which  is  evil,  be  afraid  for  he  beareth  not  the  sword 
in  vain :  for  he  is  the  minister  of  God,  a  revenger  to  execute  wrath 
upon  him  that  doeth  evil. 

rProv.  xxix.  15.  The  rod  and  reproof  give  wisdom:  but  a  child 
left  to  himself  bringeth  his  mother  to  shame. 

•  Isa.  i.  17.  Learn  to  do  well ;  seek  judgment,  relieve  the  oppressed, 
judge  the  fatherless,  plead  for  the  widow.  See  Job  xxix.  12-18. 

t  Psa.  lxxviii.  4.  We  will  not  hide  them  from  their  children,  show¬ 
ing  to  the  generation  to  come  the  praises  of  the  Lord  and  his  strength, 
and  his  wonderful  works  that  he  hath  done.  See  verses  6-8. 

*  1  Tim.  v.  8.  But  if  any  provide  not  for  his  own,  and  specially  for 
those  of  his  own  house,  he  hath  denied  the  faith,  and  is  worse  than 
an  infidel. 

«■  1  Tim.  iv.  12.  Let  no  man  despise  thy  youth  ;  but  be  thou  an  ex¬ 
ample  of  the  believers,  in  word,  in  conversation,  in  charity,  in  spirit, 
in  faith,  in  purity.  See  Tit.  ii.  3-5. 

*1  Kings  iii.  28.  And  all  Israel  heard  of  the  judgment  which  tho 
king  had  judged;  and  they  feared  the  king:  for  they  saw  that  the 
wisdom  of  God  was  in  him  to  do  judgment. 

v  Tit.  ii.  15.  These  things  speak,  and  exhort,  and  rebuke  with  all 
authority.  Let  no  man  despise  thee. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


237 


Q.  130.  What  are  the  sins  of  superiors  f 
A.  The  sins  of  superiors  are,  besides  the  neglect  of  the 
duties  required  of  them,3  an  inordinate  seeking  of  them¬ 
selves, a  their  own  glory/  ease,  profit,  or  pleasure  ;c  com¬ 
manding  things  unlawful,' d  or  not  in  the  power  of  inferiors 
to  perform  ;  e  counseling/  encouraging, £  or  favoring  them 
in  that  which  is  evil ; h  dissuading,  discouraging,  or  dis¬ 
countenancing  them  in  that  which  is  good ;*  i  correcting 
them  unduly ; k  careless  exposing,  or  leaving  them  to 

130. 2  Ezek.  xxxiv.  2-4.  Woe  be  to  the  shepherds  of  Israel  that  do 
feed  themselves !  should  not  the  shepherds  feed  the  flocks  ?  Ye  eat 
the  fat,  and  ye  clothe  you  with  the  wood,  ye  kill  them  that  are  fed  : 
but  ye  feed  not  the  flock.  The  diseased  have  ye  not  strengthened, 
neither  have  ye  healed  that  which  was  sick,  neither  have  ye  bound 
up  that  which  was  broken,  neither  have  ye  brought  again  that  which 
was  driven  away,  neither  have  ye  sought  that  which  was  lost. 

a  Phil.  ii.  21.  For  all  seek  their  own,  not  the  things  which  are  Jesus 
Christ’s. 

b  John  v.  44.  How  can  ye  believe,  which  receive  honor  one  of  an¬ 
other,  and  seek  not  the  honor  that  cometh  from  God  only?  See  John 
vii.  18. 

cIsa.  lvi.  10,  11.  His  watchmen  are  blind:  they  are  all  ignorant, 
they  are  all  dumb  dogs,  they  cannot  bark ;  sleeping,  lying  down,  lov¬ 
ing  to  slumber.  Yea,  they  are  greedy  dogs  which  can  never  have 
enough,  and  they  are  shepherds  that  cannot  understand  :  they  all  look 
to  their  own  way,  every  one  for  his  gain,  from  his  quarter. 

dActs  iv.  18.  And  they  called  them,  and  commanded  them  not  to 
speak  at  all  nor  teach  in  the  name  of  Jesus.  See  Dan.  iii.  4-6. 

eEx.  v.  18.  There  shall  no  straw  be  given  you,  yet  shall  ye  deliver 
the  tale  of  bricks.  See  verses  10-19. 

/Matt.  xiv.  8.  And  she,  being  before  instructed  of  her  mother,  said, 
Give  me  here  John  Baptist’s  head  in  a  charger. 

9  2  Sam.  xiii.  28.  Now  Absalom  had  commanded  his  servants,  say¬ 
ing,  Mark  ye  now  when  Amnon’s  heart  is  merry  with  wine,  and  when 

I  say  unto  you,  Smite  Amnon ;  then  kill  him,  fear  not:  have  not  I 
commanded  you?  be  courageous,  and  be  valiant. 

AEx.  xxxii.  5.  And  when  Aaron  saw  it,  he  built  an  altar  before  it; 
and  Aaron  made  proclamation,  and  said,  To  morrow  is  a  feast  to  the 
Lord.  See  verses  1-6. 

‘John  vii.  46-49.  The  officers  answered,  Never  man  spake  like  this 
man.  Then  answered  them  the  Pharisees,  Are  ye  also  deceived? 
Have  any  of  the  rulers  or  of  the  Pharisees  believed  on  him?  But  this 
people  who  knoweth  not  the  law  are  cursed.  John  ix.  28.  Then  they 
relieved  him,  and  said,  Thou  art  his  disciple  ;  but  we  are  Moses’  dis¬ 
ciples. 

*1  Pet.  ii.  19,  20.  For  this  is  thankworthy  if  a  man  for  conscience 


238 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


wrong,  temptation,  and  danger ;*  1 * * * * *  provoking  them  to 
wrath  ;m  or  any  way  dishonoring  themselves,  or  lessening 
their  authority,  by  an  unjust,  indiscreet,  rigorous,  or  re¬ 
miss  behavior.7 * 9* 

Q.  131.  What  are  the  duties  of  equals?- 

A.  The  duties  of  equals  are,  to  regard  the  dignity  and 
worth  of  each  other,0  in  giving  honor  to  go  one  before  an  • 
other  ;P  and  to  rejoice  in  each  other’s  gifts  and  advance¬ 
ment  as  their  own. ? 


toward  God  endure  grief,  suffering  wrongfully.  For  what  glory  is  it , 
if,  when  ye  be  buffeted  for  your  faults,  ye  shall  take  it  patiently?  but 
if,  when  ye  do  well,  and  suffer  for  it,  ye  take  it  patiently,  this  is  ac¬ 
ceptable  with  God.  Deut.  xxv.  3.  Forty  stripes  he  may  give  him, 
and  not  exceed:  lest,  if  he  should  exceed,  and  beat  him  above  these 
with  many  stripes,  then  thy  brother  should  seem  vile  unto  thee. 

1  Acts  xviii.  17.  Then  all  the  Greeks  took  Sosthenes,  the  chief  ruler 
of  the  synagogue,  and  beat  him  before  the  judgment  seat.  And  Gallio 
cared  for  none  of  those  things.  2  Sam.  xxiii.  15-17.  And  David 
longed,  and  said,  Oh  that  one  would  give  me  drink  of  the  water  of 
the  well  of  Beth-lehem,  which  is  by  the  gate !  And  the  three  mighty 
men  brake  through  the  host  of  the  Philistines,  and  drew  water  out  of 
the  well  of  Beth-lehem,  that  was  by  the  gate,  and  took  it,  and  brought  it 
to  David :  nevertheless  he  would  not  drink  thereof,  but  poured  it  out 
unto  the  Lord.  And  he  said,  Be  it  far  from  me,  0  Lord,  that  I  should 
do  this :  is  not  this  the  blood  of  the  men  that  went  in  jeopardy  of  their 
lives?  therefore  he  would  not  drink  it.  These  things  did  these  three 
mighty  men. 

mEph.  vi.  4.  And,  ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to  wrath. 

nGen.  ix.  21.  And  he  drank  of  the  wine,  and  was  drunken  ;  and  he 
was  uncovered  within  his  tent.  1  Kings  xii.  13,  14.  And  the  king 

[Rehoboam]  answered  the  people  roughly,  and  forsook  the  old  men’s 
counsel  that  they  gave  him;  And  spake  to  them  after  the  counsel  of 
the  young  men,  saying,  My  father  made  your  yoke  heavy,  and  I  will 
add  to  your  yoke :  my  father  also  chastised  you  with  whips,  but  I  will 
chastise  you  with  scorpions.  1  Kings  i.  6.  And  his  father  had  not  dis¬ 
pleased  him  at  any  time  in  saying,  Why  hast  thou  done  so?  1  Sam. 

iii.  13.  For  I  have  told  him  [Eli]  that  I  will  judge  his  house  for  ever 

for  the  iniquity  which  he  knoweth;  because  his  sons  made  them¬ 
selves  vile,  and  he  restrained  them  not. 

131.  °1  Pet.  ii.  17.  Honor  all  men.  Love  the  brotherhood. 

p  Rom.  xii.  10.  Be  kindly  afiectioned  one  to  another  with  brotherly 
love;  in  honor  preferring  one  another.  Phil.  ii.  3.  In  lowliness  of 
mind  let  each  esteem  other  better  than  themselves. 

9  Rom.  xii.  15,  16.  Rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep  with 
them  that  weep.  Be  of  the  same  mind  one  toward  another.  PhiL 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


239 


Q.  132.  What  are  the  sins  of  equals  ? 

A.  The  sins  of  equals  are,  besides  the  neglect  of  the 
duties  required/  the  undervaluing  of  the  worth/  envying 
the  gifts/  grieving  at  the  advancement  or  prosperity  one 
of  another ; u  and  usurping  pre-eminence  one  over  another.™ 
Q.  133.  What  is  the  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth  command¬ 
ment,  the  more  to  enforce  it  ? 

A.  The  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth  commandment  in 
these  words,  “  that  thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the  land  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  theefix  is  an  express  promise  of 
long  life  and  prosperity,  as  far  as  it  shall  serve  for  God’s 
glory  and  their  own  good,  to  all  such  as  keep  this  com¬ 
mandment.?/ 

Q.  134.  Which  is  the  sixth  commandment  f 
A.  The  sixth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  kill.2 
Q.  135.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  sixth  com¬ 
mandment  ? 


ii.  4.  Look  not  every  man  on  his  own  things,  but  every  man  also  on 
the  things  of  others. 

132.  r  Rom.  xiii.  8.  Owe  no  man  any  thing,  but  to  love  one  another : 
for  he  that  loveth  another  hath  fulfilled  the  law. 

*  Prov.  xiv.  21.  He  that  despiseth  his  neighbor  sinneth :  but  he  that 
hath  mercy  on  the  poor,  happy  is  he.  Isa.  lxv.  5.  Which  say,  Stand  by 
thyself,  come  not  near  to  me  ;  for  I  am  holier  than  thou.  2  Tim.  iii.  3. 
Without  natural  affection,  trucebreakers,  false  accusers,  incontinent, 
fierce,  despisers  of  those  that  are  good. 

''Acts  vii.  9.  And  the  patriarchs,  moved  with  envy,  sold  Joseph 
into  Egypt :  but  God  was  with  him.  Gal.  v.  26.  Let  us  not  be  desirous 
of  vainglory,  provoking  one  another,  envying  one  another. 

«Num.  xii.  2.  And  they  said,  Hath  the  Lord  indeed  spoken  only 
by  Moses?  hath  he  not  spoken  also  by  us?  And  the  Lord  heard  it. 
Luke  xv.  28,  29.  And  he  was  angry,  and  would  not  go  in:  therefore 
came  his  father  out,  and  entreated  him.  And  he  answering  said  to 
his  father,  Lo,  these  many  years  do  I  serve  thee,  neither  transgressed 
7  at  anytime  thy  commandment ;  and  yet  thou  never  gavest  me  a 
kid,  that  I  might  make  merry  with  my  friends. 

“'Lukexxii.  24.  And  there  was  also  a  strife  among  them,  which 
of  them  should  be  accounted  the  greatest. 

133. *  *  Ex.  xx.  12. 

s/Eph.  vi.  2,  3.  Honor  thy  father  and  mother;  which  is  the  first 
commandment  with  promise ;  That  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  thou 
mayest  live  long  on  the  earth.  See  Deut.  v.  16 ;  1  Kings  viii.  25. 

134.  *  Ex.  xx.  13. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


240 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  sixth  commandment  are, 
all  careful  studies,  and  lawful  endeavors,  to  preserve  the 
life  of  ourselves0  and  others^  by  resisting  all  thoughts  and 
purposes,0  subduing  all  passions, and  avoiding  all  occa¬ 
sions,0  temptations,/ and  practices,  which  tend  to  the  un¬ 
just  taking  away  the  life  of  any  ;  o  by  just  defence  thereof 


135.  aEph.  v.  28,  29.  So  ought  men  to  love  their  wives  as  their  own 
bodies.  He  that  loveth  his  wrife  loveth  himself.  For  no  man  ever 
yet  hated  his  own  flesh ;  but  nourisheth  and  cherisheth  it,  even  as 
the  Lord  the  church.  Matt.  x.  23.  But  wrhen  they  persecute  you  in 
this  city,  flee  ye  into  another:  for  verily  I  say  unto  you,  Ye  shall  not 
have  gone  over  the  cities  of  Israel,  till  the  Son  of  man  be  come. 

b  Job  xxix.  13.  The  blessing  of  him  that  was  ready  to  perish  came 
upon  me.  1  Kings  xviii.  4.  For  it  wras  so,  when  Jezebel  cut  off  the  proph¬ 
ets  of  the  Lord,  that  Obadiah  took  a  hundred  prophets,  and  hid  them 
by  fifty  in  a  cave,  and  fed  them  with  bread  and  water. 

cGen.  xlix.  6.  O  my  soul,  come  not  thou  into  their  secret;  unto 
their  assembly,  mine  honor,  be  not  thou  united :  for  in  their  anger 
they  slew  a  man,  and  in  their  selfwill  they  digged  down  a  wall. 
1  Sam.  xix.  4,  5.  And  Jonathan  spake  good  of  David  unto  Saul  his 
father,  and  said  unto  him,  Let  not  the  king  sin  against  his  servant, 
against  David ;  because  he  hath  not  sinned  against  thee,  and  because 
his  w'orks  have  been  to  thee-ward  very  good Wherefore  then  wilt 
thou  sin  against  innocent  blood,  to  slay  David  without  a  cause?  See 
Jer.  xxvi.  15,  16;  Acts  xxiii.  12-17,  21-27. 

dEph.  iv.  26.  Be  ye  angry,  and  sin  not:  let  not  the  sun  go  down 
upon  your  wrath. 

e2  Sam.  ii.  23.  Howbeit  he  refused  to  turn  aside:  wherefore  Abner 
with  the  hinder  end  of  the  spear  smote  him  under  the  fifth  rib,  that 
the  spear  came  out  behind  him  ;  and  he  fell  down  there,  and  died  in 
the  same  place :  and  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  many  as  came  to  the  place 
where  Asahel  fell  down  and  died  stood  still.  Deut.  xxii.  8.  When 
thou  buildest  a  new  house,  then  thou  shalt  make  a  battlement  for 
thy  roof,  that  thou  bring  not  blood  upon  thine  house,  if  any  man  fall 
from  thence. 

/Prov.  i.  10, 11,  15.  My  son,  if  sinners  entice  thee,  consent  thou  not. 
If  they  say,  Come  with  us,  let  us  lay  wait  for  blood,  let  us  lurk  privily 
for  the  innocent  without  cause. — My  son,  walk  not  thou  in  the  way 
with  them  ;  refrain  thy  foot  from  their  path.  Matt.  v.  6,  7.  And  saith 
U’^to  him,  If  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  cast  thyself  down.— Jesus  said 
unto  him,  It  is  written  again,  Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy 
God. 

?Gen.  xxxvii.  21,  22.  And  Reuben  heard  it,  and  he  delivered  him 
out  of  their  hands;  and  said,  Let  us  not  kill  him.  And  Reuben  said 
unto  them,  Shed  no  blood,  but  cast  him  into  this  pit  that  is  in  the 
wilderness,  and  lay  no  hand  upon  him;  that  he  might  rid  him  out 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


241 


against  violence  patient  bearing  of  the  hand  of  God,* 
quietness  of  mind,fc  cheerfulness  of  spirit ; 1  a  sober  use  of 
meat,w  drink,71  physic,0  sleep, P  labor, 9  and  recreation  ; r  by 


of  their  hands,  to  deliver  him  to  his  father  again.  See  1  Sam.  xxiv. 
12;  xxvi.  9-11. 

'‘Prov.  xxiv.  11, 12.  If  thou  forbear  to  deliver  them  thcti  are  drawn 
unto  death,  and  those  that  are  ready  to  be  slain;  If  thou  sayest,  Be¬ 
hold,  we  knew  it  not ;  doth  not  he  that  pondereth  the  heart  consider 
it?  and  he  that  keepeth  thy  soul,  doth  he  not  know  it?  and  shall  not 
he  render  to  every  man  according  to  his  works?  See  1  Sam.  xiv.  45; 
Jer.  xxxviii.  7-13. 

*  James  v.  10,  11.  Take,  my  brethren,  the  prophets,  who  have  spoken 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  for  an  example  of  suffering  affliction,  and 
of  patience.  Behold,  we  count  them  happy  which  endure.  Ye  have 
heard  of  the  patience  of  Job,  and  have  seen  the  end  of  the  Lord; 
that  the  Lord  is  very  pitiful,  and  of  tender  mercy.  See  2  Sam.  xvi. 
10-12. 

*Psa.  xxxvii.  8, 11.  Cease  from  anger,  and  forsake  wrath  :  fret  not 
thyself  in  any  wise  to  do  evil.— The  meek  shall  inherit  the  earth ;  and 
shall  delight  themselves  in  the  abundance  of  peace.  1  Thess.  iv.  11. 
And  that  ye  study  to  be  quiet,  and  to  do  your  own  business,  and  to 
work  with  your  own  hands,  as  we  commanded  you.  1  Pet.  iii.  3,  4. 
Whose  adorning,  let  it  not  be  that  outward  adorning  of  plaiting  the 
hair,  and  of  wearing  of  gold,  or  of  putting  on  apparel ;  But  let  it  he  the 
hidden  man  of  the  heart,  in  that  which  is  not  corruptible,  even  the 
ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  which  is  in  the  sight  of  God  of 
great  price. 

1  Prov.  xvii.  22.  A  merry  heart  doeth  good  like  a  medicine :  but  a 
broken  spirit  drieth  the  bones. 

m  Prov.  xxiii.  20.  Be  not  among  winebibbers  ;  among  riotous  eaters 
of  flesh.  Prov.  xxv.  16,  27.  Hast  thou  found  honey?  eat  so  much  as 
is  sufficient  for  thee,  lest  thou  be  filled  therewith,  and  vomit  it.— It  is 
not  good  to  eat  much  honey. 

nEccl.  x.  17.  Blessed  art  thou,  O  land,  when  thy  king  is  the  son  of 
nobles,  and  thy  princes  eat  in  due  season,  for  strength,  and  not  for 
drunkenness!  1  Tim.  v.  23.  Drink  no  longer  water,  but  use  a  little 
wine  for  thy  stomach’s  sake  and  thine  often  infirmities. 

<>Matt.  ix.  12.  But  when  Jesus  heard  that,  he  said  unto  them,  They 
that  be  whole  need  not  a  physician,  but  they  that  are  sick.  See  Isa. 
xxxviii.  21. 

p  Psa.  cxxvii.  2.  It  is  vain  for  you  to  rise  up  early,  to  sit  up  late,  to 
eat  the  bread  of  sorrows  :  for  so  he  giveth  his  beloved  sleep. 

<?Eccl.  v.  12.  The  sleep  of  a  laboring  man  is  sweet,  whether  he  eat 
little  or  much :  but  the  abundance  of  the  rich  will  not  suffer  him  to 
sleep. 

rEccl.  iii.  4.  A  time  to  weep,  and  a  time  to  laugh ;  a  time  to  mourn, 
and  a  time  to  dance. 

16 


242 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


charitable  thoughts/  love/  compassion/  meekness,  gentle¬ 
ness,  kindness;™  peaceable/  mild,  and  courteous  speeches 
and  behavior :  v  forbearing,  readiness  to  be  reconciled, 
patient  bearing  and  forgiving  of  injuries,  and  requiting 
good  for  evil ;  *  comforting  and  succoring  the  distressed, 
and  protecting  and  defending  the  innocent.a 

Q.  136.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  sixth  command¬ 
ment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  sixth  commandment  are, 


* 1  Sam.  xxii.  19.  And  Nob,  the  city  of  the  priests,  smote  he  with 
the  edge  of  the  sword,  both  men  and  women,  children  and  sucklings, 
and  oxen,  and  asses,  and  sheep,  with  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

<Rom.  xiii.  10.  Love  worketh  no  ill  to  his  neighbor:  therefore  love 
is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law.  Prov.  x.  12.  Hatred  stirreth  up  strifes : 
but  love  covereth  all  sins. 

u  Luke  x.  33  But  a  certain  Samaritan,  as  he  journeyed,  came  where 
he  was  ;  and  when  he  saw  him,  he  had  compassion  on  him. 

“'Col.  iii.  12.  Put  on  therefore,  as  the  elect  of  God,  holy  and  be¬ 
loved,  bowels  of  mercies,  kindness,  humbleness  of  mind,  meekness, 
longsuffering. 

*  James  iii.  17.  But  the  wisdom  that  is  from  above  is  first  pure, 
then  peaceable,  gentle,  and  easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and 
good  fruits,  without  partiality,  and  without  hypocrisy. 

vl  Pet.  iii.  8,  9.  Be  pitiful,  be  courteous ;  Not  rendering  evil  for  evil, 
or  railing  for  railing:  but  contrariwise  blessing.  1  Cor.  iv.  12,  13. 
Being  reviled,  we  bless;  being  persecuted,  w’e  suffer  it;  Being  de¬ 
famed,  we  entreat. 

*  Matt.  v.  24.  Leave  there  thy  gift  before  the  altar,  and  go  thy  way ; 
first  be  reconciled  to  thy  brother,  and  then  come  and  offer  thy  gift. 
Eph.  iv.  2,  32.  With  all  lowliness  and  meekness,  with  longsuffering, 
forbearing  one  another  in  love. — And  be  ye  kind  one  to  another, 
tenderhearted,  forgiving  one  another,  even  as  God  for  Christ’s  sake 
hath  forgiven  you.  Rom.  xii.  17,  20,  21.  Recompense  to  no  man  evil 
for  evil.  Provide  things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men.— Therefore  if 
thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him  ;  if  he  thirst,  give  him  drink  :  for  in  so 
doing  thou  shalt  heap  coals  of  fire  on  his  head.  Be  not  overcome  of 
evil,  but  overcome  evil  with  good. 

«1  Thess.  v.  14.  Comfort  the  feebleminded,  support  the  weak.  Matt, 
xxv.  35,  36.  I  was  a  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  meat:  I  was  thirsty, 
and  ye  gave  me  drink:  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took  me  in:  Naked, 
and  ye  clothed  me:  I  was  sick,  and  ye  visited  me:  I  was  in  prison, 
and  ye  came  unto  me.  Prov.  xxxi.  8,  9.  Open  thy  mouth  for  the 
dumb  in  the  cause  of  all  such  as  are  appointed  to  destruction.  Open 
thy  mouth,  judge  righteously,  and  plead  the  cause  of  the  poor  and 
needy.  See  Job  xxxi.  19,  20;  Isa.  lviii.  7. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


243 


all  taking  away  the  life  of  ourselves,1 b  or  of  others, c  except 
in  case  of  public  justice, lawful  war,6  or  necessary  de¬ 
fence;/  the  neglecting  or  withdrawing  the  lawful  or 
necessary  means  of  preservation  of  life ;  ^  sinful  an¬ 
ger,^  hatred,1"  envy,fc  desire  of  revenge ; 1  all  excessive  pas- 

186.  ftActsxvi.28.  But  Paul  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Do 
thyself  no  harm:  for  we  are  all  here. 

cGen.  ix.  6.  Whoso  slieddeth  man’s  blood,  by  man  shall  his  blood 
be  shed :  for  in  the  image  of  God  made  he  man. 

d  Num.  xxxv.  31,  33.  Moreover  ye  shall  take  no  satisfaction  for  the 
life  of  a  murderer,  which  is  guilty  of  death  :  but  he  shall  be  surely 
put  to  death.— So  ye  shall  not  pollute  the  land  wherein  ye  are:  for 
blood  it  defileth  the  land :  and  the  land  cannot  be  cleansed  of  the 
blood  that  is  shed  therein,  but  by  the  blood  of  him  that  shed  it.  Rom. 
xiii.  4.  For  he  is  the  minister  of  God  to  thee  for  good.  But  if  thou 
do  that  which  is  evil,  be  afraid  ;  for  he  beareth  not  the  sword  in  vain : 
for  he  is  the  minister  of  God,  a  revenger  to  execute  wrath  upon  him 
that  doeth  evil. 

eDeut.  xx.  1,  4.  When  thou  goest  out  to  battle  against  thine 
enemies,  and  seest  horses,  and  chariots,  and  a  people  more  than  thou, 
be  not  afraid  of  them :  for  the  Lord  thy  God  is  with  thee,  which 
brought  thee  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt.— For  the  Lord  your  God  is 
he  that  goeth  with  you,  to  fight  for  you  against  your  enemies,  to  save 
you.  See  verses  5-18.  Heb.  xi.  32-34.  The  time  would  fail  me  to  tell 
of  Gideon,  and  of  Barak,  and  of  Samson,  and  of  Jephthah  ;  of  David 
also,  and  Samuel,  and  of  the  prophets  :  Who  through  faith  subdued 
kingdoms,— Out  of  weakness  were  made  strong,  waxed  valiant  in 
fight,  turned  to  flight  the  armies  of  the  aliens. 

/Ex.  xxii.  2.  If  a  thief  be  found  breaking  up,  and  be  smitten  that 
he  die,  there  shall  no  blood  he  shed  for  him. 

s' Matt.  xxv.  42,  43.  I  was  a  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  no  meat :  I 
was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  no  drink  :  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took 
me  not  in :  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  not :  sick,  and  in  prison,  and  ye 
visited  me  not.  James  ii.  15, 16.  If  a  brother  or  sister  be  naked,  and 
destitute  of  daily  food,  And  one  of  you  say  unto  them,  Depart  in 
peace,  be  ye  warmed  and  filled  ;  notwithstanding  ye  give  them  not 
those  things  which  are  needful  to  the  body;  what  doth  it  profit? 

h  Matt.  v.  22.  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  whosoever  is  angry  with  his 
brother  without  a  cause  shall  be  in  danger  of  the  judgment:  and 
whosoever  shall  say  to  his  brother,  Raca,  shall  be  in  danger  of  the 
council :  but  whosoever  shall  say,  Thou  fool,  shall  be  in  danger  of 
hell  fire. 

*  1  John  iii.  15.  Whosoever  hateth  his  brother  is  a  murderer.  Prov. 
x.  12.  Hatred  stirreth  up  strifes. 

*Job.  v.  2.  Envy  slayeth  the  silly  one.  Prov.  xiv.  30.  A  sound 
heart  is  the  life  of  the  flesh  ;  but  envy  the  rottenness  of  the  bones. 

*Rom.  xii.  19.  Dearly  beloved,  avenge  not  yourselves,  but  rather 
give  place  unto  wrath. 


244 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


sions,™  distracting  cares ;  n  immoderate  use  of  meat, 
drink,0  labor,  P  and  recreations ;  Q  provoking  words;7’  op¬ 
pression,5  quarreling/  striking,  wounding,7* * •*  and  whatso¬ 
ever  else  tends  to  the  destruction  of  the  life  of  any.™ 
Q.  137.  Which  is  the  seventh  commandment  f 


m  James  iv.  1.  From  whence  come  wars  and  fightings  among  you? 
come  they  not  hence,  even  of  your  lusts  that  wrar  in  your  members? 
Eph.  iv.  31.  Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and  anger,  and  clamor 
and  evil  speaking,  be  put  away  from  you,  with  all  malice. 

n  Matt.  vi.  31,  34.  Therefore  take  no  thought,  saying,  What  shall  we 
eat?  or,  What  shall  we  drink,  or,  Wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed? 
— Take  therefore  no  thought  for  the  morrow :  for  the  morrow  shall 
take  thought  for  the  things  of  itself.  Sufficient  unto  the  day  is  the 
evil  thereof. 

°Luke  xxi.  34.  And  take  heed  to  yourselves,  lest  at  any  time  your 
hearts  be  overcharged  with  surfeiting,  and  drunkenness.  Rom.  xiii. 
13.  Let  us  walk  honestly,  as  in  the  day  ;  not  in  rioting  and  drunken¬ 
ness,  not  in  chambering  and  wantonness,  not  in  strife  and  envying. 

p  Eccl.  iv.  8.  There  is  one  alone,  and  there  is  not  a  second;  yea,  he 
hath  neither  child  nor  brother :  yet  is  there  no  end  of  all  his  labor ; 
neither  is  his  eye  satisfied  with  riches ;  neither  saith  he,  For  whom  do 
I  labor,  and  bereave  my  soul  of  good  ?  This  is  also  vanity. 

9 Eccl.  xi.  9.  Rejoice,  O  young  man,  in  thy  youth;  and  let  thy 
heart  cheer  thee  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  and  walk  in  the  ways  of 
thine  heart,  and  in  the  sight  of  thine  eyes :  but  know  thou,  that  for 
all  these  things  God  will  bring  thee  into  judgment.  Isa.  v.  12.  And 
the  harp  and  the  viol,  the  tabret  and  pipe,  and  wine,  are  in  their 
feasts :  but  they  regard  not  the  work  of  the  Lord,  neither  consider 
the  operation  of  his  hands. 

rProv.  xv.  1.  A  soft  answer  turneth  away  wrath:  but  grievous 
words  stir  up  anger.  Prov.  xii.  18.  There  is  that  speaketh  like  the 
piercings  of  a  sword :  but  the  tongue  of  the  wise  is  health. 

•  Ex.  i.  14.  And  they  made  their  lives  bitter  with  hard  bondage,  in 
mortar,  and  in  brick,  and  in  all  manner  of  service  in  the  field:  all 
their  service,  wherein  they  made  them  serve,  was  with  rigor.  Isa. 
iii.  15.  What  mean  ye  that  ye  beat  my  people  to  pieces,  and  grind  the 
faces  of  the  poor?  saith  the  Lord  God  of  hosts. 

*Gal.  v.  15.  But  if  ye  bite  and  devour  one  another,  take  heed  that 
ye  be  not  consumed  one  of  another. 

“Num.  xxxv.  10.  And  if  he  smite  him  with  an  instrument  of  iron, 
so  that  he  die,  he  is  a  murderer  :  the  murderer  shall  surely  be  put  to 
death.  Pee  verses  17-19. 

•*  Ex.  xxi.  29.  But  if  the  ox  were  wont  to  push  with  his  horn  in 
time  past,  and  it  hath  been  testified  to  his  owner,  and  he  hath  not 
kept  him  in,  but  that  he  hath  killed  a  man  or  a  woman  ;  the  ox  shall 
be  stoned,  and  his  owner  also  shall  be  put  to  death. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


245 


A.  The  seventh  commandment  is,  Thou  slialt  not  commit 
adultery. x 

Q.  138.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  seventh  com¬ 
mandment  f 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  seventh  commandment 
are,  chastity  in  body,  mind,  affections,?/  words,*  and  be¬ 
havior  ; a  and  the  preservation  of  it  in  ourselves  and  others  ;b 
watchfulness  over  the  eyes  and  all  the  senses ; c  temper¬ 
ance  ;  d  keeping  of  chaste  company ;  e  modesty  in  apparel ;J 
marriage  by  those  that  have  not  the  gift  of  continency ;  9 


137.  x  Ex.  xx.  14. 

138.  v  1  Thess.  iv.  4,  5.  Every  one  of  you  should  know  how  to  pos¬ 
sess  his  vessel  in  sanctification  and  honor ;  Not  in  the  lust  of  concu¬ 
piscence. 

zEph.  iv.  29.  Let  no  corrupt  communication  proceed  out  of  your 
mouth,  but  that  which  is  good  to  the  use  of  edifying.  Col.  iv.  6.  Let 
your  speech  be  always  with  grace,  seasoned  with  salt,  that  ye  may 
know  how  ye  ought  to  answer  every  man. 

“1  Pet.  iii.  2.  While  they  behold  your  chaste  conversation  coupled 
with  fear. 

6 1  Cor.  vii.  2.  Nevertheless  to  avoid  fornication,  let  every  man  have 
his  own  wife,  and  let  every  woman  have  her  own  husband.  Tit.  ii.  4, 
5.  That  they  may  teach  the  young  women— To  be  discreet,  chaste, 
keepers  at  home,  good,  obedient  to  their  own  husbands,  that  the 
word  of  God  be  not  blasphemed. 

c  Matt.  v.  28.  Whosoever  looketh  on  a  woman  to  lust  after  her  hath 
committed  adultery  with  her  already  in  his  heart.  Job.  xxxi.  1.  I 
made  a  covenant  wdth  mine  eyes  ;  why  then  should  I  think  upon  a 
maid  ? 

d  Acts  xxiv.  24,  25.  And  after  certain  days,  when  Felix  came  with 
his  wife  Drusilla,  which  was  a  Jewess,  he  sent  for  Paul,  and  heard 
him  concerning  the  faith  in  Christ.  And  as  he  reasoned  of  righteous¬ 
ness,  temperance,  and  judgment  to  come,  Felix  trembled,  and  an¬ 
swered,  Go  thy  way  for  this  time ;  when  I  have  a  convenient  season, 
I  will  call  for  thee. 

«Prov.  ii.  20.  That  thou  mayest  walk  in  the  way  of  good  men,  and 
keep  the  paths  of  the  righteous.  1  Cor.  v.  9.  I  wrote  unto  you  in  an 
epistle  not  to  company  with  fornicators. 

/ 1  Tim.  ii.  9.  In  like  manner  also,  that  women  adorn  themselves  in 
modest  apparel,  with  shamefacedness  and  sobriety  ;  not  with  braided 
hair,  or  gold,  or  pearls,  or  costly  array. 

•?1  Cor.  vii.  2,  9.  Nevertheless,  to  avoid  fornication,  let  every  man 
have  his  own  wife,  and  let  every  woman  have  her  own  husband.— 
But  if  they  cannot  contain,  let  them  marry  :  for  it  is  better  to  marry 
than  to  burn. 


246 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


conjugal  love,* *1  and  cohabitation;2’  diligent  labor  in  our 
callings ; k  shunning  all  occasions  of  uncleanness,  and 
resisting  temptations  thereunto.* 

Q.  139.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  seventh  com¬ 
mandment? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  seventh  commandment,  be¬ 
sides  the  neglect  of  the  duties  required,777  are  adultery,  for¬ 
nication,72  rape,  incest,0  sodomy,  and  all  unnatural  lusts ;  V 
all  unclean  imaginations,  thoughts,  purposes,  and  affec¬ 
tions  ;  9  all  corrupt  or  filthy  communications,  or  listening 

h  Col.  iii.  18, 19.  Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your  own  husbands, 
as  it  is  fit  in  the  Lord.  Husbands,  love  your  wives,  and  be  not  bitter 
against  them. 

*  1  Pet.  iii.  7.  Likewise,  ye  husbands,  dwell  with  them  according  to 
knowledge.  1  Cor.  vii.  5.  Defraud  ye  not  one  the  other,  except  it  be 
with  consent  for  a  time,  that  ye  may  give  yourselves  to  fasting  and 
prayer ;  and  come  together  again,  that  Satan  tempt  you  not  for  your 
incontinency. 

*  Prov.  xxxi.  27,  28.  She  looketh  well  to  the  ways  of  her  household, 
and  eateth  not  the  bread  of  idleness.  Her  children  arise  up,  and 
call  her  blessed;  her  husband  also ,  and  he  praiseth  her. 

1  Prov.  v.  8.  Remove  thy  way  far  from  her,  and  come  not  nigh  the 
door  of  her  house.  See  Gen.  xxxix.  8-10. 

139.  m  Prov.  v.  7.  Hear  me  now  therefore,  0  ye  children,  and  depart 
not  from  the  words  of  my  mouth.  Prov.  iv.  23,  27.  Keep  thy  heart 
with  all  diligence  ;  for  out  of  it  are  the  issues  of  life— Turn  not  to  the 
right  hand  nor  to  the  left :  remove  thy  foot  from  evil. 

n  Heb.  xiii.  4.  Whoremongers  and  adulterers  God  will  judge.  Eph. 
v.  5.  For  this  ye  know,  that  no  whoremonger,  nor  unclean  person, 
nor  covetous  man,  who  is  an  idolater,  hath  any  inheritance  in  the 
kingdom  of  Christ  and  of  God.  See  Gal.  v.  19. 

°  Deut.  xxii.  25.  But  if  a  man  find  a  betrothed  damsel  in  the  field, 
and  the  man  force  her,  and  lie  with  her;  then  the  man  only  that  lay 
with  her  shall  die.  Mark  vi.  18.  John  had  said  unto  Herod,  It  is 
not  lawful  for  thee  to  have  thy  brother’s  wife.  See  Lev.  xviii.  1-18; 
1  Cor.  v.  1. 

p  Rom.  i.  26,  27.  For  this  cause  God  gave  them  up  unto  vile  affec- 
vions:  for  even  their  women  did  change  the  natural  use  into  that 
which  is  against  nature  :  And  likewise  also  the  men,  leaving  the  nat¬ 
ural  use  of  the  woman,  burned  in  their  lust  one  toward  another. 
Lev.  xx.  15,  16.  If  a  man  lie  with  a  beast,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to 
death  ;  and  ye  shall  slay  the  beast.  And  if  a  woman  approach  unto 
any  beast,  and  lie  down  thereto,  thou  shalt  kill  the  woman,  and  the 
beast :  they  shall  surely  be  put  to  death :  their  blood  shall  be  upon 
them. 

« Matt.  v.  28.  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  whosoever  looketh  on  a 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


247 


thereunto  ; r  wanton  looks ; s  impudent  or  light  behaviour ; 
immodest  apparel ;*  1  prohibiting  of  lawful, u  and  dispensing 
with  unlawful  marriages  ;w  allowing,  tolerating,  keeping 
of  stews,  and  resorting  to  them  ;  x  entangling  vows  of  sin¬ 
gle  life ;  V  undue  delay  of  marriage  ; 2 * *  having  more  wives  or 
husbands  than  one  at  the  same  time ; a  unjust  divorce5 6  or 

woman  to  lust  after  her  hath  committed  adultery  with  her  already  in 
his  heart.  Matt.  xv.  19.  Out  of  the  heart  proceed  evil  thoughts, 
murders,  adulteries,  fornications.  Col.  iii.  5.  Mortify  therefore  your 
members  which  are  upon  the  earth ;  fornication,  uncleanness,  inor¬ 
dinate  affection,  evil  concupiscence,  and  covetousness,  which  is 
idolatry. 

r  Eph.  v.  3,  4.  But  fornication,  and  all  uncleanness,  or  covetousness, 
let  it  not  be  once  named  among  you,  as  becometh  saints  ;  Neither  fil¬ 
thiness,  nor  foolish  talking,  nor  jesting,  which  are  not  convenient. 

« Isa.  iii.  16.  The  daughters  of  Zion  are  haughty,  and  walk  with 
stretched  forth  necks  and  wanton  eyes.  2  Pet.  ii.  14.  Having  eyes 
full  of  adultery,  and  that  cannot  cease  from  sin. 

1  Prov.  vii.  10,  13.  And  behold,  there  met  him  a  woman  with  the  at¬ 
tire  of  an  harlot,  and  subtile  of  heart.— So  she  caught  him,  and  kissed 
him,  and  with  an  impudent  face  said  unto  him. 

u  1  Tim.  iv.  3.  Forbidding  to  marry. 

w  Mark  vi.  18.  For  John  had  said  unto  Herod,  It  is  not  lawful  for 
thee  to  have  thy  brother’s  wife.  See  Lev.  xviii.  1-21. 

*  2  Kings  xxiii.  7.  He  [Josiah]  brake  down  the  houses  of  the  sodom¬ 
ites,  that  were  by  the  house  of  the  Lord.— Lev.  xix.  29.  Do  not  prosti¬ 
tute  thy  daughter,  to  cause  her  to  be  a  whore ;  lest  the  land  fall  to 
whoredom,  and  the  land  become  full  of  wickedness.  Jer.  v.  7.  How 
shall  I  pardon  thee  for  this?  thy  children  have  forsaken  me,  and 
sworn  by  them  that  are  no  gods :  when  I  had  fed  them  to  the  full,  they 
then  committed  adultery,  and  assembled  themselves  by  troops  in  the 
harlots’  houses. 

yMatt.  xix.  10, 11.  His  disciples  say  unto  him,  If  the  case  of  the 
man  be  so  with  his  wife,  it  is  not  good  to  marry.  But  he  said  unto 
them,  All  men  cannot  receive  this  saying,  save  they  to  whom  it  is 
given. 

*1  Tim.  v.  14, 15.  I  will  therefore  that  the  younger  women  marry, 
bear  children,  guide  the  house,  give  none  occasion  to  the  adversary 
to  speak  reproachfully.  For  some  are  already  turned  aside  after 
Satan.  1  Cor.  vii.  36.  But  if  any  man  think  that  he  behaveth  himself 
uncomely  toward  his  virgin,  if  she  pass  the  flower  of  her  age,  and 
need  so  require,  let  him  do  what  he  will,  he  sinneth  not:  let  them 
marry. 

aMatt.  xix.  5.  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  father  and  mother, 
and  shall  cleave  to  his  wife  :  and  they  twain  shall  be  one  flesh. 

6  Matt.  xix.  8,  9.  He  saith  unto  them,  Moses  because  of  the  hard¬ 
ness  of  your  hearts  suffered  you  to  put  away  your  wives :  but  from 


248 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


desertion  ;  c  idleness  ;  gluttony  ;  drunkenness ;  d  unchaste 
company  ;e  lascivious  songs,  books,  pictures,  dancings, 
stage-plays ;  f  and  all  other  provocations  to,  or  acts  of  un¬ 
cleanness  either  in  ourselves  or  others.^ 

Q.  140.  Which  is  the  eighth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  steal .h 
Q.  141.  What  cure  the  duties  required  in  the  eighth  com¬ 
mandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  eighth  commandment 
are,  truth,  faithfulness,  and  justice  in  contracts  and  com¬ 
merce  between  man  and  man  ;  ^  rendering  to  every  one  his 

the  beginning  it  was  not  so.  And  I  say  unto  you,  Whosoever  shall 
put  away  his  wife,  except  it  be  for  fornication,  and  shall  marry 
another,  committeth  adultery  :  and  whoso  marrieth  her  which  is  put 
away  doth  commit  adultery. 

c  1  Cor.  vii.  12,  13.  But  to  the  rest  speak  I,  not  the  Lord :  If  any 
brother  hath  a  wife  that  believeth  not,  and  she  be  pleased  to  dwell 
with  him,  let  him  not  put  her  away.  And  the  woman  which  hath  a 
husband  that  believeth  not,  and  if  he  be  pleased  to  dwell  with  her, 
let  her  not  leave  him. 

dEzek.  xvi.  49.  Behold,  this  was  the  iniquity  of  thy  sister  Sodom, 
pride,  fullness  of  bread,  and  abundance  of  idleness  was  in  her.  See 
Prov.  xxiii.  30-33. 

cEph.  v.  11.  And  have  no  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful  works  of 
darkness.  See  Prov.  v.  8. 

/Eph.  v.  4.  Neither  filthiness,  nor  foolish  talking,  nor  jesting, 
which  are  not  convenient:  but  rather  giving  of  thanks.  Rom.  xiii. 
13.  Let  us  walk  honestly,  as  in  the  day  ;  not  in  rioting  and  drunken¬ 
ness,  not  in  chambering  and  wantonness.  1  Pet.  iv.  3.  For  the  time 
past  of  our  life  may  suffice  us  to  have  wrought  the  will  of  the  Gen¬ 
tiles,  when  we  walked  in  lasciviousness,  lusts,  excess  of  wine,  revel- 
ings,  banquetings.  See  Mark  vi.  22. 

pKom.  xiii.  14.  Make  not  provision  for  the  flesh,  to  fulfil  the  lusts 
thereof.  2  Pet.  ii.  17, 18.  To  whom  the  mist  of  darkness  is  reserved 
for  ever.  For  when  they  speak  great  swelling  rvords  of  vanity,  they 
allure  through  the  lusts  of  the  flesh,  through  much  wantonness,  those 
that  were  clean  escaped  from  them  who  live  in  error. 

140.  h  Ex.  xx.  15. 

141.  *Psa.  xv.  2,  4.  lie  that  walketh  uprightly,  and  w-orketh  right¬ 
eousness,  and  speaketh  the  truth  in  his  heart—  He  that  sweareth  to  his 
oi*n  hurt,  and  changeth  not.  Micali  vi.  8.  He  hath  showed  thee,  O 
man,  what  is  good :  and  what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to 
do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God? 
£ech.  viii.  16.  These  are  the  things  that  ye  shall  do;  Speak  ye  every 
man  the  truth  to  his  neighbor;  execute  the  judgment  of  truth  and 
peace  in  your  gates. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


249 


due ; k  restitution  of  goods  unlawfully  detained  from  the 
right  owners  thereof;*  1  giving  and  lending  freely,  according 
to  our  abilities,  and  the  necessities  of  others;  m  moderation 
of  our  judgments,  wills,  and  affections,  concerning  worldly 
goods ; n  a  provident  care  and  study  to  get,0  keep,  use,  and 
dispose  of  those  things  which  are  necessary  and  convenient 
for  the  sustentation  of  our  nature,  and  suitable  to  our  con¬ 
dition^  a  lawful  calling, Q  and  diligence  in  it;r  frugal- 

*Rom.  xiii.  7.  Render  therefore  to  all  their  dues :  tribute  to  whom 
tribute  is  due;  custom  to  whom  custom ;  fear  to  whom  fear ;  honor  to 
whom  honor. 

1  Lev.  vi.  4,  5.  He  shall  restore  that  which  he  took  violently  away, 
or  the  thing  which  he  hath  deceitfully  gotten,  or  that  which  was 
delivered  him  to  keep,  or  the  lost  thing  which  he  found,  Or  all  that 
about  which  he  hath  sworn  falsely ;  he  shall  even  restore  it  in  the 
principal,  and  shall  add  the  fifth  part  more  thereto,  and  give  it  unto 
him  to  whom  it  appertained,  in  the  day  of  his  trespass  offering.  See 
Luke  xix.  8. 

mDeut.  xv.  7,  8,  10.  Thou  slialt  not  harden  thine  heart,  nor  shut 
thine  hand  from  thy  poor  brother :  But  thou  shalt  open  thine  hand 
wide  unto  him,  and  shalt  surely  lend  him  sufficient  for  his  need,  in 
that  which  he  wanteth. — Thou  shalt  surely  give  him,  and  thine  heart 
shall  not  be  grieved  when  thou  givest  unto  him.  See  Gal.  vi.  10 ;  Luke 
vi.  30,  38. 

nlTim.  vi  6-9.  But  godliness  with  contentment  is  great  gain.  For 
we  brought  nothing  into  this  world,  and  it  is  certain  we  can  carry 
nothing  out.  And  having  food  and  raiment,  let  us  be  therewith  con¬ 
tent.  But  they  that  will  be  rich  fall  into  temptation  and  a  snare,  and 
into  many  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which  drown  men  in  destruction 
and  perdition. 

0 1  Tim.  v.  8.  But  if  any  provide  not  for  his  own ,  and  specially  for  those 
of  his  own  house,  he  hath  denied  the  faith,  and  is  worse  than  an  infidel. 

p  Prov.  xxvii.  23.  Be  thou  diligent  to  know  the  state  of  thy  flocks, 
and  look  well  to  thy  herds.  See  verses  24-27.  Eccl.  iii.  12, 13.  I  know 
that  there  is  no  good  in  them,  but  for  a  man  to  rejoice,  and  to  do  good 
in  his  life.  And  also  that  every  man  should  eat  and  drink,  and  enjoy 
the  good  of  all  his  labor,  it  is  the  gift  of  God.  1  Tim.  vi.  17,  18. 
Charge  them  that  are  rich  in  this  world,  that  they  be  not  highminded, 
nor  trust  in  uncertain  riches,  but  in  the  living  God,  who  giveth  us 
richly  all  things  to  enjoy;  That  they  do  good,  that  they  be  rich  in 
good  works,  ready  to  distribute,  willing  to  communicate. 

q  1  Cor.  vii.  20.  Let  every  man  abide  in  the  same  calling  wherein  he 
was  called.  Eph.  iv.  28.  Let  him  that  stole  steal  no  more :  but  rather 
let  him  labor,  working  with  his  hands  the  thing  which  is  good,  that  he 
may  have  to  give  to  him  that  needeth. 

rProv.  x.  4.  The  hand  of  the  diligent  maketh  rich.  Rom.  xil.  1L 
Not  slothful  in  business ;  fervent  in  spirit ;  serving  the  Lord. 


250 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


ity  ;s  avoiding  unnecessary  law-suits/  and  suretyship,  or  other 
like  engagements;  u  and  an  endeavor  by  all  just  and  law¬ 
ful  means  to  procure,  preserve,  and  further  the  wealth  and 
outward  estate  of  others,  as  well  as  our  own.™ 

Q.  142.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  eighth  com¬ 
mandment  f 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  eighth  commandment,  be¬ 
side  the  neglect  of  the  duties  required, x  are,  theft, v  rob¬ 
bery,2  man-stealing, a  and  receiving  any  thing  that  is 
stolen  ; b  fraudulent  dealing ;  c  false  weights  and  measures ;  d 

•Prov.  xii.  27.  The  slothful  man  roasteth  not  that  which  he  took  in 
hunting :  but  the  substance  of  a  diligent  man  is  precious.  Prov.  xxi. 
20.  There  is  treasure  to  be  desired  and  oil  in  the  dwelling  of  the  wise ; 
but  a  foolish  man  spendeth  it  up.  John  vi.  12.  When  they  were 
filled,  he  said  unto  his  disciples,  Gather  up  the  fragments  that  re¬ 
main,  that  nothing  be  lost. 

1 1  Cor.  vi.  1.  Dare  any  of  you,  having  a  matter  against  another,  go 
to  law  before  the  unjust,  and  not  before  the  saints  ?  See  verses  2-9. 

u  Prov.  xi.  15.  He  that  is  surety  for  a  stranger  shall  smart  far  it :  and 
he  that  hateth  suretiship  is  sure.  See  Prov.  vi.  1-5. 

«'Lev.  xxv.  35„  And  if  thy  brother  be  waxen  poor,  and  fallen  in 
decay  with  thee ;  then  thou  shalt  relieve  him :  ye a,  though  he  he  a 
stranger,  or  a  sojourner.  Phil.  ii.  4.  Look  not  every  man  on  his  own 
things,  but  every  man  also  on  the  things  of  others.  See  Deut.  xxii. 
1-4;  Ex.  xxiii.  4,  5. 

142. *  *  1  John  iii.  17.  But  whoso  hath  this  world’s  good,  and  seeth  his 
brother  have  need,  and  shutteth  up  his  bowTels  of  compassion  from 
him,  how  dwelleth  the  love  of  God  in  him  ?  James  ii.  15, 16.  If  a 
brother  or  sister  be  naked,  and  destitute  of  daily  food,  And  one  of 
you  say  unto  them,  Depart  in  peace,  be  ye  warmed  and  filled;  not¬ 
withstanding  ye  give  them  not  those  things  which  are  needful  to  the 
body ;  what  doth  it  profit? 

vEph.  iv.  28.  Let  him  that  stole,  steal  no  more. 

*Psa.  lxii.  10.  Trust  not  in  oppression,  and  become  not  vain  in  rob 
bery :  if  riches  increase,  set  not  your  heart  upon  them. 

°1  Tim.  i.  10.  [The  law  is  made]  For  whoremongers,  for  them  thai 
defile  themselves  with  mankind,  for  menstealers.  Ex.  xxi.  16.  And 
he  that  stealeth  a  man,  and  selleth  him,  or  if  he  be  found  in  his  hand 
he  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

6  Prov.  xxix.  24.  Whoso  is  partner  with  a  thief  hateth  his  own 
soul.  Psa.  1.  18.  When  thou  sawest  a  thief,  then  thou  consentedst 
with  him. 

«Lcv.  xix.  13.  Thou  shalt  not  defraud  thy  neighbor,  neither  rob 
him :  the  wages  of  him  that  is  hired  shall  not  abide  with  thee  all 
night  until  the  morning. 

dProv.  xi.  1.  A  false  balance  is  abomination  to  the  Lord.  Prov 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


251 


removing  landmarks  ;  e  injustice  and  unfaithfulness  in  con¬ 
tracts  between  man  and  man,/  or  in  matters  of  trust ;  9  op¬ 
pression  ;  h  extortion  ; 7  usury  ;  k  bribery  ; 1  vexatious  law¬ 
suits  ; m  unjust  enclosures  and  depredation  ; 71  engrossing 
commodities  to  enhance  the  price,0  unlawful  callings, P  and 
all  other  unjust  or  sinful  ways  of  taking  or  withholding  from 
our  neighbor  what  belongs  to  him,  or  of  enriching  ourselves;? 

xx.  10.  Divers  weights,  and  clivers  measures,  both  of  them  are  alike 
abomination  to  the  Lord. 

«Deut.  xix.  14.  Thou  shalt  not  remove  thy  neighbor’s  landmark, 
which  they  of  old  time  have  set  in  thine  inheritance.  See  Prov.  xxiii. 
10. 

/Amos  viii.  5.  Making  the  ephah  small,  and  the  shekel  great,  and 
falsifying  the  balances  by  deceit.  Psa.  xxxvii.  21.  The  wicked  bor- 
roweth,  and  payeth  not  again. 

s' Luke  xvi.  11, 12.  If  therefore  ye  have  not  been  faithful  in  the  un¬ 
righteous  mammon,  who  will  commit  to  your  trust  the  true  richest 
And  if  ye  have  not  been  faithful  in  that  which  is  another  man’s,  who 
shall  give  you  that  which  is  your  own  ? 

^Ezek.  xxii.  29.  The  people  of  the  land  have  used  oppression,  and 
exercised  robbery,  and  have  vexed  the  poor  and  needy :  yea,  they 
have  oppressed  the  stranger  wrongfully.  Lev.  xxv.  17.  Ye  shall  nOo 
therefore  oppress  one  another ;  but  thou  shalt  fear  thy  God. 

‘Matt,  xxiii.  25.  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites! 
for  ye  make  clean  the  outside  of  the  cup  and  of  the  platter,  but  within 
they  are  full  of  extortion  and  excess.  Ezek.  xxii.  12.  Thou  hast 
greedily  gained  of  thy  neighbors  by  extortion,  and  hast  forgotten  me, 
saith  the  Lord  God. 

*Psa.  xv.  5.  He  that  putteth  not  out  his  money  to  usury. 

*Job  xv.  34.  Fire  shall  consume  the  tabernacles  of  bribery.  See 
Isa.  xxxiii.  15. 

mProv.  iii.  30.  Strive  not  with  a  man  without  cause,  if  he  hath  done 
thee  no  harm.  See  1  Cor.  vi.  7. 

n  Isa.  v.  8.  Woe  unto  them  that  join  house  to  house,  that  lay  field  to 
field,  till  there  be  no  place,  that  they  may  be  placed  alone  in  the  midst 
of  the  earth !  Micah  ii.  2.  And  they  covet  fields,  and  take  them  by 
violence ;  and  houses,  and  take  them  away :  so  they  oppress  a  man 
and  his  house,  even  a  man  and  his  heritage. 

°Prov.  xi.  26.  He  that  withholdeth  corn,  the  people  shall  curse 
him:  but  blessing  shall  be  upon  the  head  of  him  that  selleth  it. 

p  Acts  xix.  19.  Many  of  them  also  which  used  curious  arts  brought 
their  books  together,  and  burned  them  before  all  men:  and  they 
counted  the  price  of  them,  and  found  it  fifty  thousand  pieces  of  silver. 
See  verses  24,  25. 

?  James  v.  4.  Behold,  the  hire  of  the  laborers  who  have  reaped 
down  your  fields,  which  is  of  you  kept  back  by  fraud,  crieth :  and 
the  cries  of  them  which  have  reaped  are  entered  into  the  ears  of  the 


252 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


covetousness ; r  inordinate  prizing  and  affecting  worldly 
goods ;s  distrustful  and  distracting  cares  and  studies 
in  getting,  keeping,  and  using  them ; 1  envying  at  the 
prosperity  of  others : u  as  likewise  idleness,™  prodigal¬ 
ity,  wasteful  gaming,  and  all  other  ways  whereby  we  do 
Unduly  prejudice  our  own  outward  estate  : x  and  defraud¬ 
ing  ourselves  of  the  due  use  and  comfort  of  that  estate 
which  God  hath  given  us.^ 

Q.  143.  Which  is  the  ninth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  ninth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false 
witness  against  thy  neighbor .z 

Lord  of  Sabaoth.  Prov.  xxi.  6.  The  getting  of  treasures  by  a  lying 
tongue  is  a  vanity  tossed  to  and  fro  of  them  that  seek  death. 

7  Luke  xii.  15.  Take  heed,  and  beware  of  covetousness. 

•  1  John  ii.  15,  16.  Love  not  the  world,  neither  the  things  that  are  in 
the  world.  If  any  man  love  the  world,  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not 
in  him.  For  all  that  is  in  the  world,  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  and  the  lust 
of  the  eyes,  and  the  pride  of  life,  is  not  of  the  Father,  but  is  of  the 
world.  See  Prov.  xxiii.  5;  Psa.  lxii.  10. 

*  Matt.  vi.  25,  34.  Therefore  I  say  unto  you,  Take  no  thought  for 
your  life,  what  ye  shall  eat,  or  what  ye  shall  drink ;  nor  yet  for  your 
body,  what  ye  shall  put  on.  Is  not  the  life  more  than  meat,  and  the 
body  than  raiment?— Take  therefore  no  thought  for  the  morrow:  for 
the  morrow  shall  take  thought  for  the  things  of  itself.  Sufficient 
unto  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof.  Eccl.  v.  12.— The  abundance  of  the 
rich  will  not  suffer  him  to  sleep. 

uPsa.  lxxiii.  3.  I  was  envious  at  the  foolish,  when  I  saw  the  pros¬ 
perity  of  the  wicked. 

M,2Thess.  iii.  11.  We  hear  that  there  are  some  which  walk  among 
you  disorderly,  working  not  at  all,  but  are  busybodies.  See  Prov. 
xvin.  9. 

*Prov.  xxi.  17.  He  that  loveth  pleasure  shall  be  a  poor  man:  he 
that  loveth  wine  and  oil  shall  not  be  rich.  Prov.  xxiii.  20,  21.  Be  not 
among  winebibbers ;  among  riotous  eaters  of  flesh  :  For  the  drunkard 
and  the  glutton  shall  come  to  poverty :  and  drowsiness  shall  clothe 
a  man  with  rags.  See  Prov.  xxviii.  19. 

vEccl.  iv.  8.  There  is  one  alone,  and  there  is  not  a  second;  yea,  he 
hath  neither  child  nor  brother:  yet  is  there  no  end  of  all  his  labor; 
neither  is  his  eye  satisfied  with  riches;  neither  saith  he,  For  whom  do 
1  labor,  and  bereave  my  soul  of  good?  1  Tim.  iv.  3-5.  Forbidding  to 
marry,  and  commanding  to  abstain  from  meats,  which  God  hath 
created  to  be  received  with  thanksgiving  of  them  which  believe  and 
know  the  truth.  For  every  creature  of  God  is  good,  and  nothing  to 
be  refused,  if  it  be  received  with  thanksgiving:  For  it  is  sanctified 
by  the  word  of  God  and  prayer. 

143. *  *Ex.  xx.  16. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


253 


Q.  144.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  ninth  com¬ 
mandment  f 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  ninth  commandment 
are,  the  preserving  and  promoting  of  truth  between 
man  and  man,a  and  the  good  name  of  our  neighbor, 
as  well  as  our  own : b  appearing  and  standing  for 
the  truth ; c  and  from  the  hearty  sincerely,6  freely,^ 
clearly, 0  and  fully, ^  speaking  the  truth,  and  only  the 
truth,  in  matters  of  judgment  and  justice/'  and  in 
all  other  things  whatsoever : k  a  charitable  esteem  of 
our  neighbors ; 1  loving,  desiring,  and  rejoicing  in  their 


144.  «Eph.  iv.  25.  Putting  away  lying,  speak  every  man  truth  with 
his  neighbor:  for  we  are  members  one  of  another. 

b  3  John  12.  Demetrius  hath  good  report  of  all  men ,  and  of  the  truth 
itself ;  yea,  and  we  also  bear  record ;  and  ye  know  that  our  record  is 
true. 

cProv.  xxxi.  9.  Open  thy  mouth,  judge  righteously,  and  plead  the 
cause  of  the  poor  and  needy 

d  Psa.  xv.  2.  He  that— speaketh  the  truth  in  his  heart. 

*2Chron.  xix.  9.  And  he  charged  them,  saying,  Thus  shall  ye  do  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord,  faithfully,  and  with  a  perfect  heart. 

fJe r.  ix.  3.  They  are  not  valiant  for  the  truth  upon  the  earth.  See 
1  Sam.  xix.  4,  5. 

9  Jer.  xlii.  4.  Whatsoever  thing  the  Lord  shall  answer  you,  I  will 
declare  it  unto  you;  I  will  keep  nothing  back  from  you.  See  Josh, 
vii.  19. 

>* *Acts  xx.  27.  I  have  not  shunned  to  declare  unto  you  all  the 
counsel  of  God.  2  Sam.  xiv.  18.  Then  the  king  answered  and  said 
unto  the  woman,  Hide  not  from  me,  I  pray  thee,  the  thing  that  I 
shall  ask  thee.  And  the  woman  said,  Let  my  lord  the  king  now 
speak.  See  verses  17-20. 

*Lev.  xix.  15.  Ye  shall  do  no  unrighteousness  in  judgment;  thou 
shalt  not  respect  the  person  of  the  poor,  nor  honor  the  person  of  the 
mighty :  but  in  righteousness  shalt  thou  judge  thy  neighbor.  Prov.  xiv. 
5.  A  faithful  witness  will  not  lie  :  but  a  false  witness  will  utter  lies. 

*Col.  iii.  9.  Lie  not  one  to  another,  seeing  that  ye  have  put  off  the 
old  man  with  his  deeds.  2  Cor.  i.  17, 18.  When  I  therefore  was  thus 
minded,  did  I  use  lightness?  or  the  things  that  I  purpose,  do  I  pur¬ 
pose  according  to  the  flesh,  that  with  me  there  should  be  yea,  yea, 
and  nay,  nay?  But  as  God  is  true,  our  word  toward  you  was  not  yea 
and  nay. 

*Heb.  vi.  9.  But,  beloved,  we  are  persuaded  better  things  of  you, 
and  things  that  accompany  salvation,  though  we  thus  speak.  1  Cor. 
xiii.  7.  [Charity]  Beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things,  liopeth  all 
things,  endureth  all  things. 


254 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


good  name;™  sorrowing  for,71  and  covering  of  their 
infirmities;0  freely  acknowledging  of  their  gifts  and 
graces  ;P  defending  their  innocency  ;  Q  a  ready  receiving  of 
a  good  report/  and  unwillingness  to  admit  of  an  evil  re¬ 
port  concerning  them  ; s  discouraging  tale-bearers/  flatter¬ 
ers, w  and  slanderers ;  w  love  and  care  of  our  own  good  name, 
and  defending  it  when  need  requireth  ; *  *  keeping  of  law¬ 
ful  promises  studying  and  practicing  of  whatsoever 
things  are  true,  honest,  lovely,  and  of  good  report.2 


mRom.  i.  8.  First,  I  thank  my  God  through  Jesus  Christ  for  you  all, 
that  your  faith  is  spoken  of  throughout  the  whole  world.  3  John  4. 
I  have  no  greater  joy  than  to  hear  that  my  children  walk  in  truth. 

n2  Cor.  xii.  21.  And  lest,  when  I  come  again,  my  God  will  humble 
me  among  you,  and  that  I  shall  bewail  many  which  have  sinned  al¬ 
ready,  and  have  not  repented  of  the  uncleanness  and  fornication  and 
lasciviousness  which  they  have  committed.  See  Psa.  cxix.  158. 

°Prov.  xvii.  9.  He  that  covereth  a  transgression  seeketh  love. 
1  Pet.  iv.  8.  And  above  all  things  have  fervent  charity  among  your¬ 
selves:  for  charity  shall  cover  the  multitude  of  sins. 

p  1  Cor.  i.  4,  5.  I  thank  my  God  always  on  your  behalf,  for  the  grace 
of  God  which  is  given  you  by  Jesus  Christ ;  That  in  every  thing  ye  are 
enriched  by  him,  in  all  utterance,  and  in  all  knowledge.  See  2  Tim. 
i.  4,  5. 

9 1  Sam.  xxii.  14.  Then  Ahimelech  answered  the  king,  and  said,  And 
who  is  so  faithful  among  all  thy  servants  as  David,  which  is  the  king’s 
son  in  law,  and  goeth  at  thy  bidding,  and  is  honorable  in  thine  house? 

*•1  Cor.  xiii.  6,  7.  [Charity]  Rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  rejoiceth 
in  the  truth;  Beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all 
things,  endureth  all  things. 

«Psa.  xv.  3.  Nor  taketh  up  a  reproach  against  his  neighbor. 

<  Prov.  xi.  13.  A  talebearer  revealeth  secrets :  but  he  that  is  of  a 
faithful  spirit  concealeth  the  matter. 

«  Prov.  xxvi.  24,  25.  He  that  hatetli  dissembleth  with  his  lips,  and 
layeth  up  deceit  within  him ;  When  he  speaketh  fair,  believe  him  not : 
for  there  are  seven  abominations  in  his  heart. 
v  Psa.  ci.  5.  Whoso  privily  slandereth  his  neighbor,  him  will  I  cut  off. 

*Prov.  xxii.  1.  A  good  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than  great 
riches,  and  loving  favor  rather  than  silver  and  gold.  John  viii.  49. 
Jesus  answered,  I  have  not  a  devil;  but  I  honor  my  Father,  and  ye 
do  dishonor  me.  See  2  Cor.  xi.  1-33;  xii.  1-13. 
v  Psa.  xv.  4.  He  that  sweareth  to  his  own  hurt,  and  changeth  not. 
*Phil.  iv.  8.  Finally,  brethren,  whatsoever  things  are  true,  whatso¬ 
ever  things  are  honest,  whatsoever  things  are  just,  whatsoever  things 
are  pure,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely,  whatsoever  things  are  of  good 
report ;  if  there  be  any  virtue,  and  if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on 
these  things. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


255 


Q.  145.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  ninth  com¬ 
mandment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  ninth  commandment  are, 
all  prejudicing  of  the  truth,  and  the  good  name  of  our 
neighbors  as  well  as  our  own,0  especially  in  public  judica¬ 
ture;  b  giving  false  evidence  ;  c  suborning  false  witnesses  ;  d 
wittingly  appearing  and  pleading  for  an  evil  cause ;  out¬ 
facing  and  overbearing  the  truth ; e  passing  unjust  sen¬ 
tence;/  calling  evil  good,  and  good  evil;  rewarding  the 
wicked  according  to  the  work  of  the  righteous,  and  the 
righteous  according  to  the  work  of  the  wicked  ;  Sf  forgery  ; h 
concealing  the  truth ;  undue  silence  in  a  just  cause/  and 


145.  «  Luke  iii.  14.  And  he  said  unto  them,  Do  violence  to  no  man, 
neither  accuse  any  falsely.  See  1  Sam.  xvii.  28;  2  Sam.  xvi.  3. 

b  Lev.  xix.  15.  Ye  shall  do  no  unrighteousness  in  judgment ;  thou 
shalt  not  respect  the  person  of  the  poor,  nor  honor  the  person  of  the 
mighty :  but  in  righteousness  shalt  thou  judge  thy  neighbor.  See 
Hab.  i.  4. 

cProv.  xix.  5.  A  false  witness  shall  not  be  unpunished ;  and  he  that 
speaketh  lies  shall  not  escape.  See  Prov.  vi.  16, 19. 

^Actsvi.  13.  And  set  up  false  witnesses,  which  said,  This  man 
ceaseth  not  to  speak  blasphemous  words  against  this  holy  place,  and 
the  law. 

eJer.  ix.  3.  And  they  bend  their  tongues  like  their  bow  for  lies  ;  but 
they  are  not  valiant  for  the  truth  upon  the  earth.  Psa.  xii.  3,  4.  The 
Lord  shall  cut  off  all  flattering  lips,  and  the  tongue  that  speaketh 
proud  things  :  Who  have  said,  With  our  tongue  will  we  prevail ;  our 
lips  are  our  own:  who  is  lord  over  us?  See  Psa.  Iii.  1-4;  Acts  xxiv. 
2,  5. 

/Prov.  xvii.  15.  He  that  justifieth  the  wicked,  and  he  that  con- 
demneth  the  just,  even  they  both  are  abomination  to  the  Lord.  See 
1  Kings  xxi.  9-14. 

c  Isa.  v.  20,  23.  Woe  unto  them  that  call  evil  good,  and  good  evil ; 
that  put  darkness  for  light,  and  light  for  darkness;  that  put  bitter  for 
sweet,  and  sweet  for  bitter! — Which  justify  the  wicked  for  reward, 
and  take  away  the  righteousness  of  the  righteous  from  him ! 

h  Luke  xvi.  6,  7.  And  he  said,  A  hundred  measures  of  oil.  And  he 
said  unto  him,  Take  thy  bill,  and  sit  down  quickly,  and  write  fifty. 
Then  said  he  to  another,  And  how  much  owest  thou?  And  he  said, 
A  hundred  measures  of  wheat.  And  he  said  unto  him,  Take  thy  bill, 
and  write  fourscore. 

*Lev.  v.  1.  And  if  a  soul  sin,  and  hear  the  voice  of  swearing,  and 
is  a  witness,  whether  he  hath  seen  or  known  of  it;  if  he  do  not  utter 
it,  then  he  shall  bear  his  iniquity.  Acts  v.  3.  Peter  said,  Ananias, 


256 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


holding  our  peace  when  iniquity  calleth  for  either  a  re- 
proof  from  ourselves/'  or  complaint  to  others  ; 1  speaking 
the  truth  unseasonably, m  or  maliciously  to  a  wrong  end,w 
or  perverting  it  to  a  wrong  meaning,0  or  in  doubtful  and 
equivocal  expression,  to  the  prejudice  of  truth  or  justice;? 
speaking  untruth  ;  Q  lying  ;  r  slandering  ; s  backbiting ; 1  de¬ 
tracting  ;u  tale-bearing whispering ;x  scoffing;? reviling ;z 

why  hath  Satan  filled  thine  heart  to  lie  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to  keep 
back  part  of  the  price  of  the  land  ? 

*  Lev.  xix.  17.  Thou  shalt  in  any  wise  rebuke  thy  neighbor,  and  not 
suffer  sin  upon  him.  1  Kings  i.  6.  And  his  father  had  not  displeased 
him  at  any  time  in  saying,  Why  hast  thou  done  so? 

1  Isa.  lix.  4.  None  calleth  for  justice  nor  any  pleadeth  for  truth. 

m  Prov.  xxix.  11.  A  fool  uttereth  all  his  mind :  but  a  wuse  wa?ikeep- 
eth  it  in  till  afterwards. 

n  1  Sam.  xxii.  9, 10.  Then  answered  Doeg  the  Edomite,  wrhich  was 
set  over  the  servants  of  Saul,  and  said,  I  saw  the  son  of  Jesse  coming 
to  Nob,  to  Ahimelech  the  son  of  Ahitub.  And  he  inquired  of  the 
Lord  for  him,  and  gave  him  victuals,  and  gave  him  the  swTord  of 
Goliath  the  Philistine. 

0  Psa.  lvi.  5.  Every  day  they  wrest  my  words  :  all  their  thoughts 
are  against  me  for  evil.  Matt.  xxvi.  60,  61.  At  the  last  came  two  false 
witnesses,  And  said,  This  fellow  said,  I  am  able  to  destroy  the  temple 
of  God,  and  to  build  it  in  three  days.  See  John  ii.  19. 

p  Gen.  iii.  5.  For  God  doth  know  that  in  the  day  ye  eat  thereof,  then 
your  eyes  shall  be  opened,  and  ye  shall  be  as  gods,  knowing  good  and 
evil.  See  Gen.  xxvi.  7,  9. 

9  Isa.  lix.  13.  Conceiving  and  uttering  from  the  heart  words  of  false¬ 
hood. 

rCol.  iii.  9.  Lie  not  one  to  another,  seeing  that  ye  have  put  off  the 
old  man  with  his  deeds.  See  Lev.  xix.  11. 

8  Psa.  1.  20.  Thou  sittest  and  speakest  against  thy  brother;  thou 
slanderest  thine  own  mother’s  son. 

*  Psa.  xv.  3.  lie  that  backbiteth  not  with  his  tongue.  Rom.  i.  30. 
Backbiters,  haters  of  God. 

M  James  iv.  11.  Speak  not  evil  one  of  another,  brethren.  Tit.  iii.  2. 
To  speak  evil  of  no  man.  See  Jer.  xxxviii.  4. 

*  Lev.  xix.  16.  Thou  shalt  not  go  up  and  down  as  a  talebearer 
among  thy  people. 

*Rom.  i.  29.  Full  of— deceit,  malignity ;  whisperers.  Prov.xvi.28.  A 
froward  man  sowetli  strife :  and  a  whisperer  separateth  chief  friends 

i/Gen.  xxi.  9.  And  Sarah  saw  the  son  of  Hagar  the  Egyptian,  which 
she  had  borne  unto  Abraham,  mocking.  Gal.  iv.  29.  But  as  then  he 
that  was  born  after  the  flesh  persecuted  him  that  was  born  after  the 
Spirit,  even  so  it  is  now. 

*  1  Cor.  vi.  10.  Nor  drunkards,  nor  revilers,— shall  inherit  the  king 
dom  of  God 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


257 


rash,a  harsh, &  and  partial  censuring ;  c  misconstructing  in¬ 
tentions,  words,  and  actions  ;  d  flattering ;  e  vain-glorious 
boasting;/  thinking  or  speaking  too  highly  or  too 
meanly  of  ourselves  or  others  denying  the  gifts  and 
graces  of  God  ;h  aggravating  smaller  faults  hiding,  excus¬ 
ing,  or  extenuating  of  sins,  when  called  to  a  free  confes¬ 
sion  ; k  unnecessarily  discovering  of  infirmities  ;l  raising 

a  Matt.  vii.  1.  Judge  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged. 

b  James  ii.  13.  He  shall  have  judgment  without  mercy,  that  hath 
showed  no  mercy.  See  Acts  xxvhi.  4. 

c  John  vii.  24.  Judge  not  according  to  the  appearance,  but  judge 
righteous  judgment.  See  Rom.  ii.  1. 

d  Rom.  iii.  8.  And  not  rather ,  (as  we  be  slanderously  reported,  and 
as  some  affirm  that  we  say,)  Let  us  do  evil,  that  good  may  come? 
whose  damnation  is  just.  Psa.  lxix.  10.  When  I  wrept,  and  chastened 
my  soul  with  fasting,  that  was  to  my  reproach.  See  1  Sam.  i.  13-15; 
2  Sam.  x.  3;  Neh.  vi.  6-8. 

e  Psa.  xii.  2,  3.  With  flattering  lips  and  with  a  double  heart  do  they 
speak.  The  Lord  shall  cut  off  all  flattering  lips. 

/ 2  Tim.  iii.  2.  For  men  shall  be  lovers  of  their  own  selves,  covetous, 
boasters. 

^Luke  xviii.  9, 11.  And  he  spake  this  parable  unto  certain  which 
trusted  in  themselves  that  they  were  righteous,  and  despised  others: 
—The  Pharisee  stood  and  prayed  thus  with  himself,  God,  I  thank 
thee,  that  I  am  not  as  other  men  are,  extortioners,  unjust,  adulterers, 
or  even  as  this  publican.  Gal.  v.  26.  Let  us  not  be  desirous  of  vain¬ 
glory,  provoking  one  another,  envying  one  another.  Ex.  iv.  10, 14. 
And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  O  my  Lord,  I  am  not  eloquent,  neither 
heretofore,  nor  since  thou  hast  spoken  unto  thy  servant ;  but  I  am 
slow  of  speech,  and  of  a  slow  tongue. — And  the  anger  of  the  Lord 
was  kindled  against  Moses.  Acts  xii.  22.  And  the  people  gave  a 
shout,  saying,  It  is  the  voice  of  a  god,  and  not  of  a  man. 

h  Luke  ix.  49,  50.  And  John  answered  and  said,  Master,  we  saw  one 
casting  out  devils  in  thy  name  ;  and  we  forbade  him,  because  he  fol- 
loweth  not  with  us.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Forbid  him  not :  for 
he  that  is  not  against  us  is  for  us.  2  Cor.  x.  10.  For  his  letters,  say 
they,  are  weighty  and  powerful ;  but  his  bodily  presence  is  weak,  and 
his  speech  contemptible.  Acts  ii.  13.  Others  mocking  said,  These 
men  are  full  of  new  wine. 

*  Matt.  vii.  3.  And  why  beholdest  thou  the  mote  that  is  in  thy 
brother’s  eye,  but  considerest  not  the  beam  that  is  in  thine  own  eye? 

*Gen.  iii.  12, 13.  And  the  man  said,  The  woman,  whom  thou  gavest 
to  be  with  me,  she  gave  me  of  the  tree,  and  I  did  eat. — And  the  woman 
said,  The  serpent  beguiled  me,  and  I  did  eat.  Prov.  xxviii.  13.  He 
that  covereth  his  sins  shall  not  prosper.  See  2  Kings  v.  25  ;  Gen.  iv.  9. 

1  Prov.  xxv.  9.  Debate  thy  cause  with  thy  neighbor  himself ;  and 
discover  not  a  secret  to  another.  See  Gen.  ix.  22. 

17 


258 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


false  rumors;771  receiving  and  countenancing  evil  re¬ 
ports,77  and  stopping  our  ears  against  just  defence;0  evil 
suspicion  ;P  envying  or  grieving  at  the  deserved  credit  of 
any, 9  endeavoring  or  desiring  to  impair  it/  rejoicing  in 
their  disgrace  and  infamy  ;s  scornful  contempt \l  fond  ad¬ 
miration  ; n  breach  of  lawful  promises;777  neglecting  such 
things  as  are  of  good  report ; x  and  practicing  or  not 
avoiding  ourselves,  or  not  hindering  what  we  can  in 
others,  such  things  as  procure  an  ill  name,  v 

w  Ex.  xxiii.  1.  Thou  shalt  not  raise  a  false  report:  put  not  thine 
hand  with  the  wicked  to  be  an  unrighteous  witness. 

nPsa.  xli.  7,  8.  All  that  hate  me  whisper  together  against  me: 
against  me  do  they  devise  my  hurt.  An  evil  disease,  say  they,  oleav- 
eth  fast  unto  him :  and  now  that  he  lieth  he  shall  rise  up  no  more. 

0  Acts  vii.  57.  Then  they  cried  out  with  a  loud  voice,  and  stopped 
their  ears.  Job  xxxi.  13,  14.  If  I  did  despise  the  cause  of  my  man¬ 
servant,  or  of  my  maidservant,  when  they  contended  with  me  ;  What 
then  shall  I  do  when  God  riseth  up?  and  when  he  visiteth,  what 
shall  I  answrer  him? 

p  1  Cor  xiii.  5.  [Charity]  Thinketh  no  evil.  See  1  Tim.  vi.  4. 

9  Matt.  xxi.  15.  And  when  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  saw  the 
wonderful  things  that  he  did,  and  the  children  crying  in  the  temple, 
and  saying,  Hosanna  to  the  son  of  David  ;  they  were  sore  displeased. 
See  Num.  xi.  29. 

rDan.  vi.  3,  4.  Then  this  Daniel  was  preferred  above  the  presidents 
and  princes,  because  an  excellent  spirit  ivas  in  him  ;  and  the  king 
thought  to  set  him  over  the  whole  realm.  Then  the  presidents  and 
princes  sought  to  find  occasion  against  Daniel  concerning  the  king¬ 
dom.  See  Ezra  iv.  12, 13. 

•Jer.  xlviii.  27.  For  was  not  Israel  a  derision  unto  thee?  was  he 
found  among  thieves  ?  for  since  thou  spakest  of  him,  thou  skippedst 
for  joy. 

*  Matt,  xxvii.  28;  29.  And  they  stripped  him,  and  put  on  him  a  scar¬ 
let  robe.  And  when  they  had  platted  a  crown  of  thorns,  they  put  it 
upon  his  head,  and  a  reed  in  his  right  hand  :  and  they  bowed  the 
knee  before  him,  and  mocked  him,  saying,  Hail,  King  of  the  Jews! 
See  Psa.  xxxv.  15,  16. 

“1  Cor.  iii.  21.  Let  no  man  glory  in  men.  Jude  16.  Having  men’s 
persons  in  admiration  because  of  advantage.  Acts  xii.  22.  And  the 
people  gave  a  shout,  saying,  It  is  the  voice  of  a  god.  and  not  of  a  man. 

“'Rom.  i.  31.  Without  understanding,  covenant-breakers.  2  Tim. 
iii.  3.  Without  natural  affection,  trucebreakers,  false  accusers,  incon¬ 
tinent,  fierce,  despisers  of  those  that  are  good. 

*1  Sam.  ii.  24.  Nay,  my  sons;  for  it  is  no  good  report  that  I  hear* 
ye  make  the  Lord’s  people  to  transgress. 

v  Gen.  xxxi v.  30.  And  Jacob  said  to  Simeon  and  Levi,  Ye  have 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


259 


Q.  146.  Which  is  the  tenth  commandment? 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  is,  Thou  shall  not  covet  thy 
neighbor's  house ,  thou  shall  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor 
his  man-servant ,  nor  his  maid-servant ,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass, 
nor  any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbor' s.z 

Q.  147.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  tenth  com¬ 
mandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  tenth  commandment  are, 
such  a  full  contentment  with  our  own  condition, a  and  such 
a  charitable  frame  of  the  whole  soul  towards  our  neigh¬ 
bor,  as  that  all  our  inward  motions  and  affections  touch¬ 
ing  him,  tend  unto  and  further  all  that  good  which  is  his.& 

Q.  148.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  tenth  command¬ 
ment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  tenth  commandment 
are,  discontentment  with  our  own  estate ; c  envying/* 
and  grieving  at  the  good  of  our  neighbor, c  together 
with  all  inordinate  motions  and  affections  to  any  thing 
that  is  his./ 

troubled  me  to  make  me  to  stink  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  land. 
Judg.  xi.  7.  And  Jephthah  said  unto  the  elders  of  Gilead,  Did  not  ye 
hate  me,  and  expel  me  out  of  my  father’s  house  ?  and  why  are  ye 
come  unto  me  now  when  ye  are  in  distress?  2  Pet.  ii.  2.  And  many 
shall  follow  their  pernicious  ways ;  by  reason  of  whom  the  way  of 
truth  shall  be  evil  spoken  of. 

146.  zEx.  xx.  17. 

147.  aHeb.  xiii.  5.  Let  your  conversation  be  without  covetousness; 
and  be  content  with  such  things  as  ye  have :  for  he  hath  said,  I  will 
never  leave  thee.  1  Tim.  vi.  6.  But  godliness  with  contentment  is 
great  gain. 

b Rom.  xii.  15.  Rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep  with 
them  that  weep.  Phil.  ii.  4.  Look  not  every  man  on  his  own  things, 
but  every  man  also  on  the  things  of  others. 

148.  «1  Cor.  x.  10.  Neither  murmur  ye,  as  some  of  them  also  mur¬ 
mured,  and  were  destroyed  of  the  destroyer.  See  1  Kings  xxi.  4. 

<*Gal.  v.  26.  Let  us  not  be  desirous  of  vainglory,  provoking  one  an¬ 
other,  envying  one  another.  James  iii.  14, 16.  But  if  ye  have  bitter 
envying  and  strife  in  your  hearts,  glory  not,  and  lie  not  against  the 
truth. — For  where  envying  and  strife  is,  there  is  confusion,  and  every 
evil  work. 

cPsa.  cxii.  9, 10.  His  horn  shall  be  exalted  with  honor.  The  wicked 
shall  see  it,  and  be  grieved.  See  Neh.  ii.  10. 

/Rom.  vii.  7.  I  had  not  known  sin,  but  by  the  law :  for  I  had  not 


260 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM . 


Q.  149.  Is  any  man  able  perfectly  to  keep  the  command¬ 
ments  of  God  ? 

A.  No  man  is  able,  either  of  himself, 0  or  by  any  grace 
received  in  this  life,  perfectly  to  keep  the  commandments 
of  Clod  ; h  but  doth  daily  break  them  in  thought,2’  word, 
and  deed.k 

Q.  150.  Are  all  transgressions  of  the  law  of  God  equally 
heinous  in  themselves ,  and  in  the  sight  of  God? 

A.  All  transgressions  of  the  law  of  God  are  not  equally 
heinous ;  but  some  sins  in  themselves,  and  by  reason  of 
several  aggravations,  are  more  heinous  in  the  sight  of  God 
than  others.* 


known  lust,  except  the  law  had  said,  Thou  shalt  not  covet.  Deut.  v. 
21.  Neither  shalt  thou  desire  thy  neighbor’s  wife,  neither  shalt  thou 
covet  thy  neighbor’s  house,  his  field,  or  his  manservant,  or  his  maid¬ 
servant,  his  ox,  or  his  ass,  or  any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbor’s.  Col.  iii. 
5.  Mortify— inordinate  affection,  evil  concupiscence,  and  covetous¬ 
ness,  which  is  idolatry.  Rom.  xiii.  9.  For  this,  Thou  shalt  not  com¬ 
mit  adultery,  Thou  shalt  not  kill,  Thou  shalt  not  steal,  Thou  shalt 
not  bear  false  witness,  Thou  shalt  not  covet ;  and  if  there  be  any  other 
commandment,  it  is  briefly  comprehended  in  this  saying,  namely, 
Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 

149.  o  James  iii.  2.  In  many  things  we  offend  all.  John  xv.  5. 
Without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.  Rom.  viii.  3.  For  what  the  law 
could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flesh,  God  sending  his 
own  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin,  condemned  sin 
in  the  flesh. 

>*Eccl.  vii.  20.  There  is  not  a  just  man  upon  earth,  that  doeth  good 
and  sinneth  not.  1  Kings  viii.  4G.  For  there  is  no  man  that  sinneth 
not.  1  John  i.  8.  If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  ourselves, 
and  the  truth  is  not  in  us.  Gal.  v.  17.  For  the  flesh  lusteth  against 
the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit  against  the  flesh :  and  these  are  contrary 
the  one  to  the  other;  so  that  ye  cannot  do  the  things  that  ye  would. 

»Gen.  vi.  5.  And  God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of  man  was  great  in 
the  earth,  and  that  every  imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  his  heart 
was  only  evil  continually.  Gen.  viii.  21.  The  imagination  of  man’s 
heart  is  evil  from  his  youth.  James  i.  14.  Every  man  is  tempted, 
when  he  is  drawn  away  of  his  own  lust,  and  enticed. 

*Rom.  iii.  9.  We  have  before  proved  both  Jews  and  Gentiles,  that 
they  are  all  under  sin.  See  verses  10-19;  James  iii.  2-13. 

150.  'John  xix.  11.  Jesus  answered,  Thou  couldest  have  no  power 
at  all  against  me,  except  it  were  given  thee  from  above :  therefore  he 
that  delivered  me  unto  thee  hath  the  greater  sin.  1  John  v.  lf>.  If 
any  man  see  his  brother  sin  a  sin  which  is  not  unto  death,  he  shall 
ask,  and  he  shall  give  him  life  for  them  that  sin  not  unto  death. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


261 


Q.  151.  What  are  those  aggravations  that  make  some  sins 
more  heinous  than  others  f 

A.  Sins  receive  their  aggravations, 

1.  From  the  persons  offending : m  If  they  be  of  riper  age ;  n 
greater  experience,  or  grace ;  0  eminent  for  profession, P  gifts, ? 


There  is  a  sin  unto  death  :  I  do  not  say  that  he  shall  pray  for  it.  See 
Psa.  lxxviii.  17,  32,  56. 

151.  *  Jer.  ii.  8.  The  priests  said  not,  Where  is  the  Lord?  and  they 
that  handle  the  law  knew  me  not:  the  pastors  also  transgressed 
against  me,  and  the  prophets  prophesied  by  Baal,  and  walked  after 
things  that  do  not  profit.  Luke  xii.  47,  48.  And  that  servant,  which 
knew  his  lord’s  will,  and  prepared  not  himself ,  neither  did  according 
to  his  will,  shall  be  beaten  with  many  stripes.  But  he  that  knew  not, 
and  did  commit  things  worthy  of  stripes,  shall  be  beaten  with  few 
stripes.  For  unto  whomsoever  much  is  given,  of  him  shall  be  much 
required ;  and  to  whom  men  have  committed  much,  of  him  they  will 
ask  the  more. 

nl  Kings  xi.  4,  9.  For  it  came  to  pass,  when  Solomon  was  old, 
his  wives  turned  away  his  heart  after  other  gods :  and  his  heart  was 
not  perfect  with  the  Lord  his  God,  as  was  the  heart  of  David  his 
father— And  the  Lord  was  angry  with  Solomon,  because  his  heart 
was  turned  from  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  which  had  appeared  unto 
him  twice.  Eccl.  iv.  13.  Better  is  a  poor  and  a  wise  child,  than  an 
old  and  foolish  king,  who  will  no  more  be  admonished. 

°Gal.  ii.  11, 12.  But  when  Peter  was  come  to  Antioch,  I  withstood 
aim  to  the  face,  because  he  was  to  be  blamed.  For  before  that  cer¬ 
tain  came  from  James,  he  did  eat  with  the  Gentiles :  but  when  they 
were  come,  he  withdrew  and  separated  himself,  fearing  them  which 
were  of  the  circumcision. 

j>2Sam.  xii.  14.  Howbeit,  because  by  this  deed  thou  hast  given 
great  occasion  to  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  to  blaspheme,  the  child 
also  that  is  born  unto  thee  shall  surely  die.  Luke  xx.  46,  47.  Beware 
of  the  scribes,  which  desire  to  walk  in  long  robes,  and  love  greetings 
in  the  markets,  and  the  highest  seats  in  the  synagogues,  and  the 
chief  rooms  at  feasts;  Which  devour  widows’  houses,  and  for  a 
show  make  long  prayers :  the  same  snail  receive  greater  damna¬ 
tion. 

'J  James  iv.  17.  To  him  that  knoweth  to  do  good,  and  doeth  it  not, 
to  him  it  is  sin.  2  Chron.  xxvi.  16,  20.  But  when  he  was  strong, 
his  heart  was  lifted  up  to  his  destruction :  for  he  transgressed 
against  the  Lord  his  God,  and  went  into  the  temple  of  the  Lord 
to  burn  incense  upon  the  altar  of  incense. — And  Azariah  the  chief 
priest,  and  all  the  priests,  looked  upon  him,  and,  behold,  he  was 
leprous  in  his  forehead,  and  they  thrust  him  out  from  thence; 
yea,  himself  hasted  also  to  go  out,  because  the  Lord  had  smitten 
him. 


262 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


place, r  office ; 8  guides  to  others ; 1  and  whose  example  is 
likely  to  be  followed  by  others.^ 

2.  From  the  parties  offended:™  If  immediately  against 
God, *  his  attributes,?/  and  worship; 2  against  Christ,  and  his 

r  John  iii.  10.  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Art  thou  a  master 
of  Israel,  and  knowest  not  these  things?  See  Jer.  v.  4,  5. 

«2Sam.  xii.  7-9.  And  Nathan  said  to  David,  Thou  art  the  man. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  I  anointed  thee  king  over  Israel, 
—And  I  gave  thee  thy  master’s  house,  and  thy  master’s  wives  into 
thy  bosom,  and  gave  thee  the  house  of  Israel  and  of  Judah;  and  if 
that  had  been  too  little,  I  would  moreover  have  given  unto  thee  such 
and  such  things.  Wherefore  hast  thou  despised  the  commandment 
of  the  Lord,  to  do  evil  in  his  sight?  See  Ezek.  viii.  11, 12. 

*Rom.  ii.  21-24.  Thou  therefore  which  teachest  another,  teaches1, 
thou  not  thyself?  thou  that  preachest  a  man  should  not  steal,  dost 
thou  steal?  Thou  that  sayest  a  man  should  not  commit  adultery, 
dost  thou  commit  adultery?  thou  that  abhorrest  idols,  dost  thou  com¬ 
mit  sacrilege?  Thou  that  makest  thy  boast  of  the  law,  through 
breaking  the  law  dishonorest  thou  God?  For  the  name  of  God  is 
blasphemed  among  the  Gentiles  through  you,  as  it  is  written. 

U1  Kings  xv.  30.  Because  of  the  sins  of  Jeroboam  which  he  sinned, 
and  which  he  made  Israel  sin,  by  his  provocation  wherewith  he  pro¬ 
voked  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  to  anger.  Gal.  ii.  13.  And  the  other 
Jews  dissembled  likewise  with  him ;  insomuch  that  Barnabas  also 
was  carried  away  with  their  dissimulation.  2  Pet.  ii.  2.  And  many 
shall  follow  their  pernicious  ways ;  by  reason  of  whom  the  way  of 
truth  shall  be  evil  spoken  of. 

“’Mai.  i.  8.  And  if  ye  offer  the  blind  for  sacrifice,  is  it  not  evil?  and 
if  ye  offer  the  lame  and  sick,  is  it  not  evil?  offer  it  now  unto  thy 
governor;  will  he  be  pleased  with  thee,  or  accept  thy  person?  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts.  Psa.  ii.  12.  Kiss  the  Son,  lest  he  be  angry,  and  ye 
perish  from  the  way,  when  his  wrath  is  kindled  but  a  little.  Blessed 
are  all  they  that  put  their  trust  in  him.  Matt.  xxi.  38,  39.  But  when 
the  husbandmen  saw  the  son,  they  said  among  themselves,  This  is 
the  heir;  come,  let  us  kill  him,  and  let  us  seize  on  his  inheritance. 
And  they  caught  him,  and  cast  him  out  of  the  vineyard,  and  slew  him. 

x  1  Sam.  ii.  25.  If  one  man  sin  against  another,  the  judge  shall  judge 
him  :  but  if  a  man  sin  against  the  Lord,  who  shall  entreat  for  him? 
Acts  v.  4.  Thou  hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but  unto  God. 

v  Rom.  ii.  4.  Or  despisest  thou  the  riches  of  his  goodness  and  for¬ 
bearance  and  longsuffering;  not  knowing  that  the  goodness  of  God 
leadeth  thee  to  repentance? 

*  Mai.  i.  14.  But  cursed  be  the  deceiver,  which  hath  in  his  flock  a  male, 
and  voweth,  and  sacrificeth  unto  the  Lord  a  corrupt  thing:  for  I  am  a 
great  King,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  my  name  is  dreadful  among  the 
heathen.  1  Cor.x.  21, 22.  Ye  cannot  drinkthe  cup  of  the  Lord,  and  the  cup 
of  devils  :  ye  cannot  be  partakers  of  the  Lord’s  table,  and  of  the  table 
v>f  devils.  Do  we  provoke  the  Lord  to  jealousy  ?  are  we  stronger  than  he  ? 


the  larger  catechism . 


263 


grace ; a  the  Holy  Spirit^  his  witness,0  and  workings  ; d 
against  superiors,  men  of  eminency,0  and  such  as  we  stand 
especially  related  and  engaged  unto ;/  against  any  of  the 
saints, £  particularly  weak  brethren, ^  the  souls  of  them  or 
any  other, ^  and  the  common  good  of  all  or  many.* 

“John  iii.  18,  36.  He  that  believeth  not  is  condemned  already,  be¬ 
cause  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the  only  begotten  Son  of 
God.— He  that  believeth  not  the  Son  shall  not  see  life;  but  the  wrath 
of  God  abideth  on  him.  See  Heb.  xii.  25. 

6  Matt.  xii.  31,  32.  Wherefore  I  say  unto  you,  All  manner  of  sin  and 
blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  unto  men :  but  the  blasphemy  against 
the  Holy  Ghost  shall  not  be  forgiven  unto  men.  And  whosoever 
speaketh  a  word  against  the  Son  of  man,  it  shall  be  forgiven  him : 
but  whosoever  speaketh  against  the  Holy  Ghost,  it  shall  not  be  for¬ 
given  him,  neither  in  this  world,  neither  in  the  world  to  come.  Heb. 
x.  29.  Of  how  much  sorer  punishment,  suppose  ye,  shall  he  be 
thought  worthy,  who  hath  trodden  under  foot  the  Son  of  God,  and 
hath  counted  the  blood  of  the  covenant,  wherewith  he  was  sanctified, 
an  unholy  thing,  and  hath  done  despite  unto  the  Spirit  of  grace? 

cEph.  iv.  30.  And  grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  whereby  ye 
are  sealed  unto  the  day  of  redemption. 

d  Acts  viii.  18.  And  when  Simon  saw  that  through  laying  on  of  the 
apostles’  hands  the  Holy  Ghost  was  given,  he  offered  them  money. 
See  verses  19-24. 

eNum.  xii.  8.  Wherefore  then  were  ye  not  afraid  to  speak  against 
my  servant  Moses  ?  Jude  8.  Likewise  also  these  filthy  dreamers  defile 
the  flesh,  despise  dominion,  and  speak  evil  of  dignities.  See  Isa.  iii.  5. 

/Prov.  xxx.  17.  The  eye  that  mocketh  at  his  father,  and  despiseth 
to  obey  his  mother,  the  ravens  of  the  valley  shall  pick  it  out,  and  the 
young  eagles  shall  eat  it.  Psa.  xii.  9.  Yea,  mine  own  familiar  friend, 
in  whom  I  trusted,  wrhich  did  eat  of  my  bread,  hath  lifted  up  his  heel 
against  me.  See  Psa.  lv.  12-14. 

^Zech.  ii.  8.  He  that  toucheth  you,  toucheth  the  apple  of  his  eye. 
Matt,  xviii.  6.  But  whosd  shall  offend  one  of  these  little  ones  which 
believe  in  me,  it  were  better  for  him  that  a  hiillstone  were  hanged 
about  his  neck,  and  that  he  were  drowned  in  the  depth  of  the  sea. 

AlCor.  viii.  11,  12.  And  through  thy  knowledge  shall  the  wreak 
brother  perish,  for  whom  Christ  died?  But  when  ye  sin  so  against 
the  brethren,  and  wound  their  weak  conscience,  ye  sin  against  Christ. 
See  Rom.  xiv.  13, 15,  21. 

'Ezek.  xiii.  19.  And  will  ye  pollute  me  among  my  people  for  hand¬ 
fuls  of  barley,  and  for  pieces  of  bread,  to  slay  the  souls  that  should 
not  die?  Psa.  xciv.  21.  They  gather  themselves  together  against  the 
soul  of  the  righteous,  and  condemn  the  innocent  blood.  Matt,  xxiii. 
15.  Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites !  for  ye  compass 
sea  and  land  to  make  one  proselyte ;  and  when  he  is  made,  ye  make 
him  twofold  more  the  child  of  hell  than  yourselves. 

*  Josh.  xxii.  20.  Did  not  Achan  the  son  of  Zerah  commit  a  trespas* 


264 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


3.  From  the  nature  and  quality  of  the  offence: 1  if  it  be 
against  the  express  letter  of  the  law,m  break  many  com¬ 
mandments,  contain  in  it  many  sins : n  if  not  only  con¬ 
ceived  in  the  heart,  but  break  forth  in  words  and  actions,0 
scandalize  others, P  and  admit  of  no  reparation  :  if  against 
means/  mercies/* *  judgments/  light  of  nature/  conviction 


in  the  accursed  thing,  and  wrath  fell  on  all  the  congregation  of 
Israel?  and  that  man  perished  not  alone  in  his  iniquity.  1  Thess.  ii. 
15,  16.  Who  both  killed  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  their  own  prophets,  and 
nave  persecuted  us ;  and  they  please  not  God,  and  are  contrary  to  all 
men :  Forbidding  us  to  speak  to  the  Gentiles  that  they  might  be 
saved,  to  fill  up  their  sins  always  :  for  the  wrath  is  come  upon  them 
to  the  uttermost.  See  Matt,  xxiii.  34-38. 

*Prov.  vi.  30.  Men  do  not  despise  a  thief,  if  he  steal  to  satisfy  his 
soul  when  he  is  hungry. 

™Ezek.  xx.  13.  But  the  house  of  Israel  rebelled  against  me  in  the 
wilderness :  they  walked  not  in  my  statutes,  and  they  despised  my 
judgments,  which  if  a  man  do,  he  shall  even  live  in  them ;  and  my 
sabbaths  they  greatly  polluted :  then  I  said,  I  would  pour  out  my 
fury  upon  them  in  the  wilderness,  to  consume  them. 

n  Col.  iii.  5.  Mortify  therefore  your  members  which  are  upon  the 
earth;  fornication,  uncleanness,  inordinate  affection,  evil  concupis¬ 
cence,  and  covetousness,  which  is  idolatry.  1  Tim.  vi.  10.  For  the 
love  of  money  is  the  root  of  all  evil :  which  while  some  coveted  after, 
they  have  erred  from  the  faith,  and  pierced  themselves  through  with 
many  sorrows. 

0  Mic.  ii.  1,  2.  Woe  to  them  that  devise  iniquity,  and  work  evil  upon 
their  beds  !  when  the  morning  is  light,  they  practice  it,  because  it  is 
in  the  power  of  their  hand.  And  they  covet  fields,  and  take  them  by 
violence. 

p  Matt,  xviii.  7.  Woe  unto  the  world  because  of  offences !  for  it 
must  needs  be  that  offences  come :  bnt  woe  to  that  man  by  whom 
the  offence  cometh  !  Rom.  ii.  23,  24.  Thou  that  makest  thy  boast  of  the 
law,  through  breaking  the  law  dishonorest  thou  God?  For  the  name 
of  God  is  blasphemed  among  the  Gentiles  through  you,  as  it  is 
written. 

9  Prov.  vi.  32-35.  But  whoso  committeth  adultery  with  a  woman 
lacketh  understanding :  he  that  doeth  it  destroyeth  his  own  soul.  A 
wound  and  dishonor  shall  he  get ;  and  his  reproach  shall  not  be 
wiped  away.  For  jealousy  is  the  rage  of  a  man :  therefore  he  will 
not  spare  in  the  day  of  vengeance.  lie  will  not  regard  any  ransom; 
neither  will  he  rest  content  though  thou  givest  many  gifts. 

r  Matt.  xi.  21,  22.  Woe  unto  thee,  Chorazin!  woe  unto  thee,  Beth- 
saida !  for  if  the  mighty  works,  which  were  done  in  you,  had  been 


*  For  notes  •,  *,  u,  see  opposite  page. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


265 


of  conscience, ™  public  or  private  admonition, *  censures  of 
the  church, 2/  civil  punishments ; 2  and  our  prayers,  purposes, 
promises, a  vows,b  covenants,0  and  engagements  to  God  or 


done  In  Tyre  and  Sidon,  they  would  have  repented  long  ago  in  sack¬ 
cloth  and  ashes.  But  I  say  unto  you,  It  shall  be  more  tolerable  for 
Tyre  and  Sidon  at  the  day  of  judgment,  than  for  you.  John  xv.  22. 
If  I  had  not  come  and  spoken  unto  them,  they  had  not  had  sin  ;  but 
now  they  have  no  cloak  for  their  sin. 

»Deut.  xxxii.  6.  Do  ye  thus  requite  the  Lord,  0  foolish  people  and 
unwise?  is  not  he  thy  father  that  hath  bought  thee?  hath  he  not 
made  thee,  and  established  thee?  Isa.  i.  2,  3.  Hear,  O  heavens,  and 
give  ear,  O  earth :  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken  :  I  have  nourished  and 
brought  up  children,  and  they  have  rebelled  against  me.  The  ox 
knoweth  his  owner,  and  the  ass  his  master’s  crib :  but  Israel  doth  not 
know,  my  people  doth  not  consider. 

<Jer.  v.  3.  O  Lord,  are  not  thine  eyes  upon  the  truth?  thou  hast 
stricken  them,  but  they  have  not  grieved ;  thou  hast  consumed  them, 
but  they  have  refused  to  receive  correction :  they  have  made  their 
faces  harder  than  a  rock ;  they  have  refused  to  return.  See  Amos 
iv.  8-11. 

uRom.  i.  26,  27.  For  this  cause  God  gave  them  up  unto  vile  affec¬ 
tions  :  for  even  their  women  did  change  the  natural  use  into  that 
which  is  against  nature :  And  likewise  also  the  men,  leaving  th3 
natural  use  of  the  woman,  burned  in  their  lust  one  toward  another, 
men  with  men  working  that  which  is  unseemly,  and  receiving  in 
themselves  that  recompense  of  their  error  which  was  meet. 

“'Rom.  i.  32.  Who,  knowing  the  judgment  of  God,  that  they  which 
commit  such  things  are  worthy  of  death,  not  only  do  the  same,  but 
have  pleasure  in  them  that  do  them.  See  Dan.  v.  22. 

*  Prov.  xxix.  1.  He  that  being  often  reproved  hardeneth  his  neck, 
shall  suddenly  be  destroyed,  and  that  without  remedy. 

v Matt,  xviii.  17.  If  he  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto 
thee  as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican.  Tit.  iii.  10.  A  man  that  is  a 
heretic,  after  the  first  and  second  admonition,  reject. 

*1  Kings  ii.  41.  And  it  was  told  Solomon  that  Shimei  had  gone 
from  Jerusalem  to  Gath,  and  was  come  again.  See  verses  42, 
13,  46. 

aPsa.  lxxviii.  34,  36,  37.  When  he  slew  them,  then  they  sought  him : 
and  they  returned,  and  inquired  early  after  God. — Nevertheless  they 
did  flatter  him  with  their  mouth,  and  they  lied  unto  him  with  their 
tongues.  For  their  heart  was  not  right  with  him,  neither  were  they 
steadfast  in  his  covenant.  See  Jer.  xlii.  5,  6,  20-22. 

b  Feel.  v.  5.  Better  is  it  that  thou  shouldest  not  vow,  than  that  thou 
shouldest  vow  and  not  pay.  Prov.  xx.  25.  It  is  a  snare  to  the  man 
who  devoureth  that  which  is  holy,  and  after  vows  to  make  inquiry. 

cLev.  xxvi.  25.  And  I  will  bring  a  sword  upon  you,  that  shall 
avenge  the  quarrel  of  my  covenant. 


266 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


men: d  if  done  deliberately,6  willfully,/ presumptuously/ 
impudently/  boastingly,*  maliciously/'  frequently,1’  obsti¬ 
nately,771  with  delight,71  continuance,0  or  relapsing  after 
repentance/7 

dProv.  ii.  17.  Which  forsaketh  the  guide  of  her  youth,  and  forget- 
teth  the  covenant  of  her  God.  See  Ezek.  xvii.  12-21. 

e  Psa.  xxxvi.  4.  He  deviseth  mischief  upon  his  bed ;  he  setteth  him¬ 
self  in  a  way  that  is  not  good ;  he  abhorreth  not  evil. 

/ Jer.  vi.  16.  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Stand  ye  in  the  ways,  and  see,  and 
ask  for  the  old  paths,  where  is  the  good  way,  and  walk  therein,  and  ye 
shall  find  rest  for  your  souls.  But  they  said,  We  will  not  walk  therein. 

a  Num.  xv.  30.  But  the  soul  that  doeth  aught  presumptuously,  whether 
he  be  born  in  the  land,  or  a  stranger,  the  same  reproacheth  the  Lord  ; 
and  that  soul  shall  be  cut  off  from  among  his  people.  See  Ex.  xxi.  14. 

h  Jer.  vi.  15.  Were  they  ashamed  when  they  had  committed  abomi¬ 
nation  ?  p.ay,  they  were  not  at  all  ashamed,  neither  could  they  blush ; 
therefore  they  shall  fall  among  them  that  fall. 

»Psa.  lii.  1.  Why  boastest  thou  thyself  in  mischief,  O  mighty  man? 

*Ezek.  xxxv.  5,  6.  Because  thou  hast  had  a  perpetual  hatred,  and 
hast  shed  the  blood  of  the  children  of  Israel  by  the  force  of  the  sword 
in  the  time  of  their  calamity,  in  the  time  that  their  iniquity  had  an 
end :  Therefore,  as  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  God,  I  will  prepare  thee  unto 
blood.  See  3  John  10. 

*Num.  xiv.  22.  Because  all  those  men  which  have  seen  my  glory, 
and  my  miracles,  which  I  did  in  Egypt  and  in  the  wilderness,  and 
have  tempted  me  now  these  ten  times,  and  have  not  harkened  to  my 

voice. 

™Zeeh.  vii.  11, 12.  But  they  refused  to  hearken,  and  pulled  away 
the  shoulder,  and  stopped  their  ears,  that  they  should  not  hear.  Yea, 
they  made  their  hearts  as  an  adamant  stone,  lest  they  should  hear 
the  law,  and  the  words  which  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  sent  in  his 
Spirit  by  the  former  prophets :  therefore  came  a  great  wrath  from  the 
Lord  of  hosts. 

"  Prov.  ii.  14.  Who  rejoice  to  do  evil,  and  delight  in  the  frowardness 
of  the  wicked. 

oGen.  vi.  5.  And  God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of  man  was  great  in 
the  earth,  and  that  every  imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  his  heart 
was  only  evil  continually.  Isa.  1  vii.  17.  For  the  iniquity  of  his  cov¬ 
etousness  was  I  wroth,  and  smote  him :  I  hid  me,  and  was  wroth,  and 
he  went  on  frowardly  in  the  way  of  his  heart. 

p 2  Pet.  ii.  20,  21.  For  if  after  they  have  escaped  the  pollutions  of 
the  world  through  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  they  are  again  entangled  therein,  and  overcome,  the  latter  end 
is  worse  with  them  than  the  beginning.  For  it  had  been  better  for 
them  not  to  have  known  the  way  of  righteousness,  than,  after  they 
have  known  it,  to  turn  from  the  holy  commandment  delivered  unto 
them.  See  Heb.  vi.  4,  6. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


267 


4.  From  circumstances  of  time, 9  and  place :  r  if  on  the 
Lord’s  Day,5  or  other  times  of  divine  worship ; t  or  imme¬ 
diately  before/  or  after  these/  or  other  helps  to  prevent  or 
remedy  such  miscarriages  :  x  if  in  public,  or  in  the  presence 
of  others,  who  are  thereby  likely  to  be  provoked  or 
defiled.!/ 

Q.  152.  What  doth  every  sin  deserve  at  the  hands  of 
God  f 

A.  Every  sin,  even  the  least,  being  against  the  sover- 


q  Isa.  xxii.  12-14.  And  in  that  day  did  the  Lord  God  of  hosts  call 
to  weeping,  and  to  mourning,  and  to  baldness,  and  to  girding  with 
sackcloth :  And  behold  joy  and  gladness,  slaying  oxen,  and  killing 
sheep,  eating  flesh,  and  drinking  wine  :  let  us  eat  and  drink  ;  for  to 
morrow  we  shall  die.  And  it  was  revealed  in  mine  ears  by  the  Lord 
of  hosts,  Surely  this  iniquity  shall  not  be  purged  from  you  till  ye  die, 
saith  the  Lord  God  of  hosts.  See  2  Kings  v.  26. 

r  Jer.  vii.  10, 11.  And  come  and  stand  before  me  in  this  house,  which 
is  called  by  my  name,  and  say,  We  are  delivered  to  do  all  these  abomi¬ 
nations?  Is  this  house,  which  is  called  by  my  name,  become  a  den 
of  robbers  in  your  eyes  ? 

*  Ezek.  xxiii.  38,  39.  They  have  defiled  my  sanctuary  in  the  same  day, 
and  have  profaned  my  sabbaths.  For  when  they  had  slain  their  chil¬ 
dren  to  their  idols,  then  they  came  the  same  day  into  my  sanctuary 
to  profane  it ;  and,  lo,  thus  have  they  done  in  the  midst  of  mine 
house. 

*Isa.  lviii.  3,  4.  Behold,  in  the  day  of  your  fast  ye  find  pleasure,  and 
exact  all  your  labors.  Behold,  ye  fast  for  strife  and  debate,  and  to 
smite  with  the  fist  of  wickedness. 

U1  Cor.  xi.  20,  21.  When  ye  come  together  therefore  in  one  place, 
this  is  not  to  eat  the  Lord’s  supper.  For  in  eating  every  one  taketh 
before  other  his  own  supper;  and  one  is  hungry,  and  another  is 
drunken. 

w  John  xiii.  27.  And  after  the  sop  Satan  entered  into  him.  Then 
said  Jesus  unto  him,  That  thou  doest,  do  quickly. 

*Ezraix.  13,14.  And  after  all  that  is  come  upon  us  for  our  evil 
deeds,  and  for  our  great  trespass,  seeing  that  thou  our  God  hast  pun¬ 
ished  us  less  than  our  iniquities  deserve ,  and  hast  given  us  such  de¬ 
liverance  as  this  ;  Should  we  again  break  thy  commandments,  and 
join  in  affinity  with  the  people  of  these  abominations?  wouldest  not 
thou  be  angry  with  us  till  thou  hadst  consumed  us,  so  that  there 
should  he  no  remnant  nor  escaping? 

y  Judg.  viii.  27.  And  Gideon  made  an  ephod  thereof,  and  put  it  in 
his  city,  even  in  Ophrah  :  and  all  Israel  went  thither  a  whoring  after 
it :  which  thing  became  a  snare  unto  Gideon,  and  to  his  house.  See 
1  Sam.  ii.  22-24, 


268 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


eignty,* 2  goodness,*1 * *  and  holiness  of  Godf  and  against  his 
righteous  law,c  deserveth  his  wrath  and  curse, d  both  in  this 
life,6  and  that  which  is  to  come;/  and  cannot  be  expiated 
but  by  the  blood  of  Christ.^ 

Q.  153.  What  doth  God  require  of  us,  that  we  may  escape 
his  wrath  and  curse  due  to  us  by  reason  of  the  transgression 
of  the  law  ? 

A.  That  wre  may  escape  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God  due 
to  us  by  reason  of  the  transgression  of  the  law,  he  requir- 
eth  of  us  repentance  towards  God,  and  faith  towards  our 


152.  2  James  ii.  10, 11.  Whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet 

offend  in  one  point ,  he  is  guilty  of  all.  For  he  that  said,  Do  not  com¬ 

mit  adultery,  said  also,  Do  not  kill. 

«  Ex.  xx.  1,  2.  And  God  spake  all  these  words,  saying,  I  am  the  Lord 

thy  God,  which  have  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of 
the  house  of  bondage.  Deut.  xxxii.  6.  Do  ye  thus  requite  the  Lord, 
O  foolish  people  and  unwise  ?  is  not  he  thy  father  that  hath  bought 
thee?  hath  he  not  made  thee,  and  established  thee? 

6Hab.  i.  13.  Thou  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  evil,  and  canst 
not  look  on  iniquity :  wherefore  lookest  thou  upon  them  that  deal 
treacherously,  and  holdest  thy  tongue  when  the  wicked  devoureth 
the  man  that  is  more  righteous  than  he  ?  1  Pet.  i.  15, 16.  As  he  which 
hath  called  you  is  holy,  so  be  ye  holy  in  all  manner  of  conversation ; 
Because  it  is  written,  Be  ye  holy  ;  for  I  am  holy.  See  Lev.  xi.  45. 

c  1  John  iii.  4.  Whosoever  committeth  sin  transgresseth  also  the  law : 
for  sin  is  the  transgression  of  the  law.  Rom.  vii.  12.  The  lawr  is  holy, 
and  the  commandment  holy,  and  just,  and  good. 

d  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law  are  under 
the  curse :  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not 
in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them.  See 
Eph.  v.  6. 

« Deut.  xxviii.  15.  But  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  thou  wilt  not  heark¬ 
en  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  observe  to  do  all  his  com¬ 
mandments  and  his  statutes  which  I  command  thee  this  day;  that 
all  these  curses  shall  come  upon  thee.  See  verses  16-68.  Lam.  iii.  39. 
Wherefore  doth  a  living  man  complain,  a  man  for  the  punishment  of 
his  sins? 

/Matt.  xxv.  41.  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire, 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels.  Rom.  vi.  21,23.  What  fruit  had 
ye  then  in  those  things  whereof  ye  are  now  ashamed  ?  for  the  end  of 
those  things  is  death.— The  wages  of  sin  is  death. 

pTIeb.  ix.  22.  And  almost  all  things  are  by  the  law  purged  with 
blood ;  and  without  shedding  of  blood  is  no  remission.  1  John  i.  7. 
And  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son  cleanseth  us  from  all  sin.  See 
1  Pet.  i.  18, 19. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


269 


Lord  Jesus  Christ,^  and  the  diligent  use  of  the  outward 
means  whereby  Christ  communicates  to  us  the  benefits  of 
his  mediation.** 

Q.  154.  What  are  the  outward  means  whereby  Christ  com¬ 
municates  to  us  the  benefits  of  his  mediation  ? 

A.  The  outward  and  ordinary  means,  whereby  Christ 
communicates  to  his  Church  the  benefits  of  his  mediation, 
are  all  his  ordinances ;  especially  the  Word,  Sacraments, 
and  prayer ;  all  which  are  made  effectual  to  the  elect  for 
their  salvation/' 

Q.  155.  How  is  the  Word  made  effectual  to  salvation? 

A.  The  Spirit  of  God  maketh  the  reading,  but  especially 
the  preaching  of  the  Word,  an  effectual  means  of  enlight¬ 
ening/  convincing  and  humbling  sinners ; 171  of  driving  them 


153.  h  Acts  xx.  21.  Testifying  both  to  the  Jews,  and  also  to  the 
Greeks,  repentance  toward  God,  and  faith  toward  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  Mark  i.  15.  Repent  ye,  and  believe  the  gospel.  Acts  xvi.  30, 
31.  And  brought  them  out,  and  said,  Sirs,  what  must  I  do  to  be  saved  ? 
And  they  said,  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be 
saved,  and  thy  house.  John  iii.  18.  He  that  believeth  on  him  is  not 
condemned :  but  he  that  believeth  not  is  condemned  already,  because 
he  hath  not  believed  on  the  name  of  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God. 

*Prov.  viii.  33-35.  Hear  instruction,  and  be  wise,  and  refuse  it 
not.  Blessed  is  the  man  that  heareth  me,  watching  daily  at  my  gates, 
waiting  at  the  posts  of  my  doors.  For  whoso  findeth  me  findeth  life, 
and  shall  obtain  favor  of  the  Lord.  Luke  xiii.  24.  Strive  to  enter  in 
at  the  strait  gate  :  for  many,  I  say  unto  you,  will  seek  to  enter  in,  and 
shall  not  be  able. 

1M.  k  Matt,  xxviii.  19, 20.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap¬ 
tizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost ;  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have 
commanded  you  :  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world.  Acts  ii.  42,  46.  And  thev  continued  steadfastlv  in  the 
apostles’  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in 
prayers.— And  they,  continuing  daily  with  one  accord  in  the  temple, 
and  breaking  bread  from  house  to  house,  did  eat  their  meat  with  glad¬ 
ness  and  singleness  of  heart.  See  1  Cor.  i.  21 ;  Eph.  v.  19,  20. 

155.  1  Psa.  xix.  8.  The  commandment  of  the  Lord  is  pure,  enlight¬ 
ening  the  eyes.  Acts  xxvi.  18.  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them 
from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God. 

m  Jer.  xxiii.  28,  29.  The  prophet  that  hath  a  dream,  let  him  tell  a 
dream ;  and  he  that  hath  my  word,  let  him  speak  my  word  faithfully. 
’What  is  the  chaff  to  the  wheat?  saith  the  Lord.  Is  not  my  word 
like  as  a  fire?  saith  the  Lord;  and  like  a  hammer  that  breaketh  the 


270 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


out  of  themselves,  and  drawing  them  unto  Christ;71  of 
conforming  them  to  his  image,0  and  subduing  them  to  his 
will  ;P  of  strengthening  them  against  temptations  and  cor¬ 
ruptions  ;  Q  of  building  them  up  in  grace/  and  establish¬ 
ing  their  hearts  in  holiness  and  comfort  through  faith  unto 
salvation. s 

rock  in  pieces?  Ileb.  iv.  12.  The  word  of  God  is  quick  and  powerful, 
and  sharper  than  any  twoedged  sword,  piercing  even  to  the  dividing 
asunder  of  soul  and  spirit,  and  of  the  joints  and  marrow,  and  is  a 
discerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart.  1  Cor.  xiv.  24,  25. 
But  if  all  prophesy,  and  there  come  in  one  that  believeth  not,  or  one 
unlearned,  he  is  convinced  of  all,  he  is  judged  of  all:  And  thus  are 
the  secrets  of  his  heart  made  manifest ;  and  so  falling  down  on  his 
face  he  will  worship  God,  and  report  that  God  is  in  you  of  a  truth. 

nActs  ii.  37,41.  Now  when  they  heard  this,  they  were  pricked  in 
their  heart,  and  said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of  the  apostles,  Men 
and  brethren,  what  shall  we  do?— Then  they  that  gladly  received  his 
word  were  baptized :  and  the  same  day  there  were  added  unto  them 
about  three  thousand  souls.  See  Acts  viii.  27-38. 

°2  Cor.  iii.  18.  But  we  all,  with  open  face  beholding  as  in  a  glass  the 
glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the  same  image  from  glory  to 
glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord. 

p  2  Cor.  x.  4,  5.  (For  the  weapons  of  our  warfare  are  nor  carnal, 
but  mighty  through  God  to  the  pulling  down  of  strongholds ;)  Cast¬ 
ing  down  imaginations,  and  every  high  thing  that  exalteth  itself 
against  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  bringing  into  captivity  every 
thought  to  the  obedience  of  Christ.  See  Rom.  vi.  17,  18. 

?Psa.  xix.  11.  Moreover  by  them  is  thy  servant  warned.  Col.  i.  28. 
Whom  we  preach,  warning  every  man.  Eph.  vi.  16,  17.  Above  all, 
taking  the  shield  of  faith,  wherewith  ye  shall  be  able  to  quench  all 
the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked.  And  take  the  helmet  of  salvation,  and 
the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God.  See  Matt.  iv.  4, 
7,  10. 

rEph.  iv.  11, 12.  And  he  gave  some,  apostles;  and  some,  prophets; 
and  some,  evangelists;  and  some,  pastors  and  teachers  :  For  the  per¬ 
fecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying 
of  the  body  of  Christ.  Acts  xx.  32.  And  now,  brethren,  I  commend 
you  to  God,  and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which  is  able  to  build  you 
up,  and  to  give  you  an  inheritance  among  all  them  which  are  sancti¬ 
fied.  2  Tim.  iii.  15, 16.  And  that  from  a  child  thou  hast  known  the 
holy  Scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation 
through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  All  Scripture  is  given  by 
inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  cor¬ 
rection,  for  instruction  in  righteousness. 

*  Rom.  xvi.  25.  Now  to  him  that  is  of  power  to  establish  you  accord¬ 
ing  to  my  gospel,  and  the  preaching  of  Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the 
revelation  of  the  mystery,  which  was  kept  secret  since  the  world  be- 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


271 


Q.  156.  Is  the  Word  of  God  to  be  read  by  all? 

A.  Although  all  are  not  permitted  to  read  the  Word 
publicly  to  the  congregation/  yet  all  sorts  of  people  are 
bound  to  read  it  apart  by  themselves,**  and  with  their 
families : w  to  which  end,  the  holy  Scriptures  are  to  be 
translated  out  of  the  original  into  vulgar  languages.^ 

Q.  157.  How  is  the  Word  of  God  to  be  read  ? 

A.  The  holy  Scriptures  are  to  be  read  with  an  high  and 
reverent  esteem  of  them;?/  with  a  firm  persuasion  that 

gan.  1  Thess.  iii.  2, 13.  And  sent  Timotheus,  our  brother,  and  min¬ 
ister  of  God,  and  our  fellow  laborer  in  the  gospel  of  Christ,  to  establish 
you,  and  to  comfort  you  concerning  your  faith.— To  the  end  he  may 
establish  your  hearts  unblameable  in  holiness  before  God,  even  our 
Father,  at  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  with  all  his  saints. 
See  Rom.  x.  14-17. 

156. *  Deut.  xxxi.  9, 11.  And  Moses  wrote  this  law,  and  delivered  it 
unto  the  priests  the  sons  of  Levi,  which  bare  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
of  the  Lord,  and  unto  all  the  elders  of  Israel.— When  all  Israel  is 
come  to  appear  before  the  Lord  thy  God  in  the  place  which  he  shall 
choose,  thou  shalt  read  this  law  before  all  Israel  in  their  hearing. 
See  Neh.  ix.  3-5. 

MDeut.  xvii.  18,  19.  And  it  shall  be,  when  he  sitteth  upon  the 
throne  of  his  kingdom,  that  he  shall  write  him  a  copy  of  this  law  in 
a  book  out  of  that  ivhich  is  before  the  priests  of  Levites  :  And  it  shall 
be  with  him,  and  he  shall  read  therein  all  the  days  of  his  life.  Isa. 
xxxiv.  16.  Seek  ye  out  of  the  book  of  the  Lord,  and  read.  John  v.  39. 
Search  the  Scriptures ;  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  life :  and 
they  are  they  which  testify  of  me.  Rev.  i.  3.  Blessed  is  he  that 
readeth,  and  they  that  hear  the  words  of  this  prophecy,  and  keep 
those  things  which  are  written  therein. 

w  Deut.  vi.  6,  7.  And  these  words,  which  I  command  thee  this  day, 
shall  be  in  thine  heart :  And  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto 
thy  children,  and  shall  talk  of  them  when  thousittest  in  thine  house, 
and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and 
when  thou  risest  up.  Psa.  lxxviii.  5,  6.  For  he  established  a  testi¬ 
mony  in  Jacob,  and  appointed  a  law  in  Israel,  which  he  commanded 
our  fathers,  that  they  should  make  them  known  to  their  children : 
That  the  generation  to  come  might  know  them. ,  even  the  children 
which  should  be  born ;  who  should  arise  and  declare  them  to  their 
children. 

*Cor.  xiv.  18, 19.  I  thank  my  God,  I  speak  with  tongues  more  than 
ye  all :  Yet  in  the  church  I  had  rather  speak  five  words  with  my 
understanding,  that  by  my  voice  I  might  teach  others  also,  than  ten 
thousand  words  in  an  unknown  tongue.  See  verses  2-29. 

157.  y  Neh.  viii.  5.  And  Ezra  opened  the  book  in  the  sight  of  all  the 
people ;  (for  he  was  above  all  the  people ;)  and  when  he  opened  it, 


272 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


they  are  the  very  Word  of  God,* 2  and  that  he  only  can 
enable  us  to  understand  them  ;  a  with  desire  to  know,  be¬ 
lieve,  and  obey,  the  will  of  God  revealed  in  them;b  with 
diligence,0  and  attention  to  the  matter  and  scope  of 
them  ;  d  with  meditation,0  application,/  self-denial, 0*  and 
prayer/* 


all  the  people  stood  up.  Isa.  lxvi.  2.  But  to  this  man  will  I  look, 
even  to  him  that  is  poor,  and  of  a  contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  at  my 
word.  Psa.  xix.  10.  More  to  be  desired  are  they  than  gold,  yea,  than 
much  fine  gold  :  sweeter  also  than  honey  and  the  honeycomb. 

2 2  Pet.  i.  19-21.  We  have  also  a  more  sure  word  of  prophecy; 
whereunto  ye  do  well  that  ye  take  heed,  as  unto  a  light  that  shineth 
in  a  dark  place,  until  the  day  dawn,  and  the  daystar  arise  in  your 
hearts :  Knowing  this  first,  that  no  prophecy  of  the  Scripture  is  of 
any  private  interpretation.  For  the  prophecy  came  not  in  old  time 
by  the  will  of  man :  but  holy  men  of  God  spake  as  they  were  moved 
by  the  Holy  Ghost.  1  Thess.  ii.  13.  For  this  cause  also  thank  we 
God  without  ceasing,  because,  when  ye  received  the  word  of  God 
which  ye  heard  of  us,  ye  received  it  not  as  the  word  of  men,  but,  as  it 
is  in  truth,  the  word  of  God,  which  effectually  worketh  also  in  you 
that  believe. 

a  Psa.  cxix.  18.  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold  wondrous 
things  out  of  thy  law.  Luke  xxiv.  45.  Then  opened  he  their  under¬ 
standing,  that  they  might  understand  the  Scriptures. 

1  James  i.  21,  22.  Receive  with  meekness  the  engrafted  word,  which 
is  able  to  save  your  souls.  But  be  ye  doers  of  the  word,  and  not  hear¬ 
ers  only,  deceiving  your  own  souls.  1  Pet.  ii.  2.  As  newborn  babes, 
desire  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word,  that  ye  may  grow  thereby.  See 
Mark  iv.  20. 

Acts  xvii.  11.  These  [Bereans]  were  more  noble  than  those  in 
Thessalonica,  in  that  they  received  the  word  with  all  readiness  of 
mind,  and  searched  the  Scriptures  daily,  whether  those  things 

were  so. 

d  Acts  viii.  30,  34.  And  Philip  ran  thither  to  him,  and  heard  him 
read  the  prophet  Esaias,  and  said,  Understandest  thou  what  thou 
readest?  And  the  eunuch  answered  Philip,  and  said,  I  pray  thee,  of 
whom  speaketh  the  prophet  this?  of  himself  or  some  other  man? 
Matt.  xiii.  23.  But  he  that  received  seed  into  the  good  ground  is  he 
that  heareth  the  word,  and  understandeth  it;  which  also  beareth 
fruit;  and  bringeth  forth,  some  a  hundredfold,  some  sixty,  some 
thirty. 

e  Psa.  i.  2.  But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord  :  and  in  his  law 
doth  he  meditate  day  and  night.  Psa.  cxix.  97.  O  how  love  I  thy 
law !  it  is  my  meditation  all  the  day. 

/2  Cliron.  xxxiv.  21.  Go,  inquire  of  the  Lord  for  me,  and  for  them 

*  For  notes  o,  *,  see  opposite  page. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


273 


Q.  158.  By  whom  is  the  Word  of  God  to  he  preached? 

A.  The  Word  of  God  is  to  be  preached  only  by  such  as 
are  sufficiently  gifted/  and  also  duly  approved  and  called 
t q  that  office.* 

Q.  159.  How  is  the  Word  of  God  to  be  preached  by  those 
that  are  called  thereunto? 

A.  They  that  are  called  to  labor  in  the  ministry  of  the 

that  are  left  in  Israel  and  in  Judah,  concerning  the  words  of  the 
book  that  is  found :  for  great  is  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  that  is  poured 
out  upon  us,  because  our  fathers  have  not  kept  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
to  do  after  all  that  is  written  in  this  book.  Rom.  iv.  23,  24.  Now  it 
was  not  written  for  his  sake  alone,  that  it  was  imputed  to  him  ;  But 
for  us  also,  to  whom  it  shall  be  imputed,  if  we  believe  on  him  that 
raised  up  Jesus  our  Lord  from  the  dead.  Rom.  xv.  4.  For  whatso¬ 
ever  things  were  written  aforetime  were  written  for  our  learning, 
that  we  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  Scriptures  might  have 
hope.  See  1  Cor.  x.  6-11. 

o  Prov.  iii.  5.  Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thine  heart ;  and  lean  not 
unto  thine  own  understanding.  Job  xxiii.  12.  Neither  have  I  gone 
back  from  the  commandment  of  his  lips ;  I  have  esteemed  the  words 
of  his  mouth  more  than  my  necessary  food.  John  iv.  32,  34.  But  he 
said  unto  them,  I  have  meat  to  eat  that  ye  know  not  of.— Jesus  saith 
unto  them,  My  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  him  that  sent  me,  and  to  finish 
his  work. 

h  Neh.  viii.  6,  8.  And  Ezra  blessed  the  Lord,  the  great  God.  And 
all  the  people  answered,  Amen,  Amen,  with  lifting  up  their  hands: 
and  they  bowed  their  heads,  and  worshipped  the  Lord  with  their  faces 
to  the  ground.  So  they  read  in  the  book  in  the  law  of  God  distinctly, 
and  gave  the  sense,  and  caused  them  to  understand  the  reading.  Psa. 
cxix.  18.  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold  wondrous  things 
out  of  thy  law. 

158.*  1  Tim.  iii.  2,  6.  A  bishop  then  must  be  blameless,  the  hus¬ 
band  of  one  wife,  vigilant,  sober,  of  good  behavior,  given  to  hospi¬ 
tality,  apt  to  teach. — Not  a  novice,  lest  being  lifted  up  with  pride  he 
fall  into  the  condemnation  of  the  devil.  2  Tim.  ii.  2.  And  the  things 
that  thou  hast  heard  of  me  among  many  witnesses,  the  same  commit 
thou  to  faithful  men,  who  shall  be  able  to  teach  others  also.  Mai.  ii. 
7.  For  the  priest’s  lips  should  keep  knowledge,  and  they  should 
seek  the  law  at  his  mouth :  for  he  is  the  messenger  of  the  Lord  of 
hosts. 

*Rom.  x.  15.  And  how  shall  they  preach  except  they  be  sent?  1 
Cor.  xii.  28,  29.  And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first  apostles, 
secondarily  prophets,  thirdly  teachers,  after  that  miracles,  then  gifts 
of  healings,  helps,  governments,  diversities  of  tongues.  Are  all  apos¬ 
tles?  are  all  prophets?  are  all  teachers ?  are  all  workers  of  miracles? 
1  Tim.  iv.  14.  Neglect  not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee,  which  was  given 
thee  by  prophecy,  with  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbytery. 


274 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Word  are  to  preach  sound  doctrine/  diligently, m  in  season, 
and  out  of  season  ; 71  plainly,0  not  in  the  enticing  words  of 
man’s  wisdom  but  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit,  and 
of  power  ;P  faithfully, 9  making  known  the  whole  counsel 
of  God ; r  wisely, s  applying  themselves  to  the  neces¬ 
sities  and  capacities  of  the  hearers ; 1  zealously ,n  with 
fervent  love  to  God,™  and  the  souls  of  his  people ; *  *  sin- 

159.  1  Tit.  ii.  1,  7,  8.  But  speak  thou  the  things  which  become  sound 
doctrine In  all  things  showing  thyself  a  pattern  of  good  works :  in 
doctrine  showing  uncorruptuess,  gravity,  sincerity,  Sound  speech, 
that  cannot  be  condemned ;  that  he  that  is  of  the  contrary  part  may 
be  ashamed,  having  no  evil  thing  to  say  of  you. 

m  Acts  xviii.  25.  Being  fervent  in  the  spirit,  he  spake  and  taught 
diligently  the  things  of  the  Lord. 

n  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  Preach  the  word ;  be  instant  in  season,  out  of  season. 

®1  Cor.  xiv.  9.  Except  ye  utter  by  the  tongue  wTords  easy  to  be  un¬ 
derstood,  howr  shall  it  be  known  what  is  spoken  ?  for  ye  shall  speak 
into  the  air.  See  verses  10-19. 

p  1  Cor.  ii.  4.  And  my  speech  and  my  preaching  teas  not  with  enticing 
words  of  man’s  wTisdom,  but  in  demonstration  of  the  Spiritand  of  power. 

9  Jer.  xxiii.  28.  He  that  hath  my  word,  let  him  speak  my  word  faith¬ 
fully.  1  Cor.  iv.  1,  2.  Let  a  man  so  account  of  us,  as  of  the  ministers 
of  Christ,  and  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God.  Moreover  it  is  re¬ 
quired  in  stewards,  that  a  man  be  found  faithful. 

r  Acts  xx.  27.  For  I  have  not  shunned  to  declare  unto  you  all  the 
counsel  of  God. 

•Col.  i.  28.  Whom  we  preach,  warning  every  man,  and  teaching 
every  man  in  all  wisdom.  2  Tim.  ii.  15.  Study  to  show  thyself  ap¬ 
proved  unto  God,  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed, 
rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth. 

*  Luke  xii.  42.  And  the  Lord  said,  Who  then  is  that  faithful  and  wise 
steward,  whom  his  lord  shall  make  ruler  over  his  household  to  give 
them  their  portion  of  meat  in  due  season  ?  1  Cor.  iii.  2.  I  have  fed  you 
with  milk,  and  not  with  meat :  for  hitherto  ye  were  not  able  to  bear  it, 
neither  yet  now  are  ye  able.  See  Heb.  v.  12-14. 

M  Acts  xviii.  25.  This  man  was  instructed  in  the  way  of  the  Lord  : 
and  being  fervent  in  the  spirit,  he  spake  and  taught  diligently  the 
things  of  the  Lord,  knowing  only  the  baptism  of  John.  2  Tim.  iv.  5. 
But  watch  thou  in  all  things,  endure  afflictions,  do  the  work  of  an 
evangelist,  make  full  proof  of  thy  ministry. 

*  2  Cor.  v.  13, 14.  For  whether  we  be  beside  ourselves,  it  is  to  God :  or 
whether  we  be  sober,  it  is  for  your  cause.  For  the  love  of  Christ  con- 
straineth  us;  because  we  thus  judge,  that  if  one  died  for  all,  then 
were  all  dead.  See  Phil.  i.  15-17. 

*  Col.  iv.  12.  Epaphras,  who  is  one  of  you,  a  servant  of  Christ,  sa- 
luteth  you,  always  laboring  fervently  for  you  in  prayers,  that  ye  may 
stand  perfect  and  complete  in  all  the  will  of  God.  2  Cor.  xii.  15.  And 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


275 


cerely,?/  aiming  at  his  glory,I 2 * * * 6  and  their  conversion,®  edifi¬ 
cation, &  and  salvation.0 

Q.  160.  What  is  required  of  those  that  hear  the  Word 
preached  f 

A.  It  is  required  of  those  that  hear  the  Word  preached, 
that  they  attend  upon  it  with  diligence, d  preparation,0 
and  prayer;/  examine  what  they  hear  by  the  Scrip- 


I  will  very  gladly  spend  and  be  spent  for  you ;  though  the  more 
abundantly  I  love  you,  the  less  I  be  loved.  See  1  Thess.  iii.  12,  13. 

y  2  Cor.  iv.  2.  But  have  renounced  the  hidden  things  of  dishonesty, 
not  walking  in  craftiness,  nor  handling  the  word  of  God  deceitfully; 
but,  by  manifestation  of  the  truth,  commending  ourselves  to  every 
man’s  conscience  in  the  sight  of  God.  See  2  Cor.  ii.  17. 

2  John  vii.  18.  He  that  speaketh  of  himself  seeketh  his  own  glory : 
but  he  that  seeketh  his  glory  that  sent  him,  the  same  is  true,  and  no 
unrighteousness  is  in  him.  1  Thess.  ii.  4.  But  as  we  were  allowed 

of  God  to  be  put  in  trust  with  the  gospel,  even  so  we  speak ;  not  as 
pleasing  men,  but  God,  which  trieth  our  hearts. 

a  1  Cor.  ix.  19-22.  For  though  I  be  free  from  all  men ,  yet  have  I  made 
myself  servant  unto  all,  that  I  might  gain  the  more.  And  unto  the  Jews 

I  became  as  a  Jew,  that  I  might  gain  the  Jews ;  to  them  that  are  under 
the  law*,  as  under  the  law,  that  I  might  gain  them  that  are  under  the 
lawr ;  To  them  that  are  without  law.  as  without  lawr,  (being  not  without 
law  to  God,  but  under  the  lawT  to  Christ,)  that  I  might  gain  them  that  are 
without  law.  To  the  wreak  became  I  as  vreak,  that  I  might  gain  the 
w'eak  ;  I  am  made  all  things  to  all  men ,  that  I  might  by  all  means  save 
some. 

6  2  Cor.  xii.  19.  But  we  do  all  things,  dearly  beloved,  for  your  edify¬ 
ing.  Eph.  iv.  12.  For  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ. 

c  1  Tim.  iv.  16.  Take  heed  unto  thyself,  and  unto  the  doctrine  ;  con¬ 
tinue  in  them :  for  in  doing  this  thou  shalt  both  save  thyself,  and 
them  that  hear  thee.  2  Tim.  ii.  10.  Therefore  I  endure  all  things  for 
the  elect’s  sake,  that  they  may  also  obtain  the  salvation  which  is  in 
Christ  Jesus  with  eternal  glory.  See  Acts  xxvi.  16-18. 

160.  d  Psa.  lxxxiv.  1,  2,  4.  Hovr  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  O  Lord 
of  hosts !  My  soul  longeth,  yea,  even  fainteth  for  the  courts  of  the 
Lord.— Blessed  are  they  that  dvrell  in  thy  house :  they  will  be  still 
praising  thee.  See  Psa.  xxvii.  4 ;  Prov.  viii.  34. 

«  Luke  viii.  18.  Take  heed  therefore  how  ye  hear.  1  Pet.  ii.  1,  2. 
Wherefore  laying  aside  all  malice,  and  all  guile,  and  hypocrisies,  and 
envies,  and  all  evil  speakings,  As  newborn  babes,  desire  the  sincere 
milk  of  the  word,  that  ye  may  grow  thereby.  See  James  i.  21. 

/Psa.  cxix.  18.  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold  wondrous 
things  out  of  thy  law.  Eph.  vi.  17,  18.  And  take  the  helmet  of  salva¬ 
tion,  and  the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God  :  Praying 
always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in  the  Spirit. 


276 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


tures ;  ?  receive  the  truth  with  faith, ^  love,1’  meekness,*  and 
readiness  of  mind/  as  the  Word  of  God;m  meditate,71  and 
confer  of  it ;  0  hide  it  in  their  hearts, P  and  bring  forth  the 
fruit  of  it  in  their  lives.? 

Q.  161.  How  do  the  Sacraments  become  effectual  means  of 
salvation  f 

A.  The  Sacraments  become  effectual  means  of  salvation, 
not  by  any  power  in  themselves,  or  any  virtue  derived 
from  the  piety  or  intention  of  him  by  whom  they  are  ad¬ 
ministered  ;  but  only  by  the  working  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  the  blessing  of  Christ  by  whom  they  are  instituted/ 


q  Acts  xvii.  11.  These  were  more  noble  than  those  in  Thessalonica, 
in  that  they  received  the  word  with  all  readiness  of  mind,  and 
searched  the  Scriptures  daily,  whether  those  things  were  so. 

ARom.  i.  16,  17.  For  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ:  for 
it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth  ;  to 
the  Jew  first,  and  also  to  the  Greek.  For  therein  is  the  righteousness 
of  God  revealed  from  faith  to  faith :  as  it  is  written,  The  just  shall 
live  by  faith. 

*2  Thess  ii.  10.  They  received  not  the  love  of  the  truth,  that  they 
might  be  saved. 

*  James  i.  21.  Receive  with  meekness  the  engrafted  word.  Psa. 
xxv.  9.  The  meek  will  he  guide  in  judgment :  and  the  meek  will  he 
teach  his  way. 

1  Acts  xvii.  11.  These  were  more  noble  than  those  in  Thessalonica, 
in  that  they  received  the  word  with  all  readiness  of  mind. 

m  1  Thess.  ii.  13.  For  this  cause  also  thank  we  God  without  ceasing, 
because,  when  ye  received  the  word  of  God  which  ye  heard  of  us,  ye 
received  it  not  as  the  word  of  men,  but,  as  it  is  in  truth,  the  word  of  God. 

n  Heb.  ii.  1.  Therefore  we  ought  to  give  the  more  earnest  heed  to 
the  things  which  we  have  heard,  lest  at  any  time  we  should  let  them 
slip. 

0  Deut.  vi.  6,  7.  And  these  words,  which  I  command  thee  this  day, 
shall  be  in  thine  heart :  And  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto 
thy  children,  and  shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine 
house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down, 
and  when  thou  risest  up. 

p  Psa.  cxix.  11.  Thy  word  have  I  hid  in  mine  heart,  that  I  might 
not  sin  against  thee. 

i  Luke  viii.  15.  But  that  on  the  good  ground  are  they,  which  in  an 
honest  and  good  heart,  having  heard  the  word,  keep  it  and  bring 
forth  fruit  with  patience.  James  i.  25.  But  whoso  looketh  into  the 
perfect  law  of  liberty,  and  continueth  therein ,  he  being  not  a  forgetful 
hearer,  but  a  doer  of  the  work,  this  man  shall  be  blessed  in  his  deed. 

161.  rl  Pet.  lii.  21.  The  like  figure  whereunto  even  baptism,  doth 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


277 


Q.  162.  What  is  a  Sacrament  ? 

A.  A  Sacrament  is  an  holy  ordinance  instituted  by  Christ 
in  his  Churchy  to  signify,  seal,  and  exhibit *  1  unto  those 
that  are  within  the  covenant  of  grace, w  the  benefits  of  his 
mediation ; w  to  strengthen  and  increase  their  faith  and  all 


also  now  save  us,  (not  the  putting  away  of  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but 
the  answer  of  a  good  conscience  toward  God,)  by  the  resurrection  of 
Jesus  Christ.  Acts  viii.  13,  23.  Then  Simon  himself  believed  also : 
and  when  he  was  baptized  he  continued  with  Philip,  and  wondered, 
beholding  the  miracles  and  signs  which  were  done.— For  I  perceive 
that  thou  art  in  the  gall  of  bitterness,  and  in  the  bond  of  iniquity. 

1  Cor.  iii.  7.  So  then  neither  is  he  that  planteth  any  thing,  neither 
he  that  watereth ;  but  God  that  giveth  the  increase.  1  Cor.  xii.  13. 
For  by  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one  body,  whether  we  be 
Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether  we  be  bond  or  free  ;  and  have  been  all  made 
to  drink  into  one  Spirit. 

162.  *  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptiz¬ 
ing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Matt.  xxvi.  26,  27.  And  as  they  were  eating,  Jesus  took  bread, 
and  blessed  it ,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the  disciples,  and  said, 
Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body.  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks, 
and  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it. 

<Rom.  iv.  11.  And  he  [Abraham]  received  the  sign  of  circumcision, 
a  seal  of  the  righteousness  of  the  faith  w’hich  he  had  yet  being  un¬ 
circumcised  :  that  he  might  be  the  father  of  all  them  that  believe, 
though  they  be  not  circumcised ;  that  righteousness  might  be  imputed 
unto  them  also.  1  Cor.  xi.  24,  25.  And  when  he  had  given  thanks, 
he  brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat;  this  is  my  body,  which  is  broken  for 
you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  After  the  same  manner  also  he 
took  the  cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testa¬ 
ment  in  my  blood  :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance 
of  me. 

uEx.  xii.  48.  And  when  a  stranger  shall  sojourn  with  thee,  and 
will  keep  the  passover  to  the  Lord,  let  all  his  males  be  circumcised, 
and  then  let  him  come  near  and  keep  it ;  and  he  shall  be  as  one  that 
is  born  in  the  land :  for  no  uncircumcised  person  shall  eat  thereof. 
Matt.  xv.  24,  27.  But  he  answered  and  said,  I  am  not  sent  but  untc 
the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel.— And  she  said,  Truth,  Lord  :  yet 
the  dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs  which  fall  from  their  masters’  table. 
Rom.  xv.  8,  9.  Now  I  say  that  Jesus  Christ  was  a  minister  of  the  cir¬ 
cumcision  for  the  truth  of  God,  to  confirm  the  promises  made  unto  the 
fathers  :  And  that  the  Gentiles  might  glorify  God  for  his  mercy ;  as  it  is 
written,  For  this  cause  I  will  confess  to  thee  among  the  Gentiles, 
and  sing  unto  thy  name.  Rom.  ix.  8.  The  children  of  the  promise 
are  counted  for  the  seed. 

w  Acts  ii.  38.  Then  Peter  said  unto  them,  Repent,  and  be  baptized 
every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  for  the  remission  of 


278 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


other  graces  ;x  to  oblige  them  to  obedience ;  ^  to  testify 
and  cherish  their  love  and  communion  one  with  an¬ 
other,* 2  and  to  distinguish  them  from  those  that  are  with¬ 
out^ 


sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Acts  xxii.  16. 
And  now  why  tarriest  thou?  arise,  and  be  baptized,  and  wash  away 
thy  sins,  calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord.  1  Cor.  x.  16.  The  cup  of 
blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of 
Christ?  The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the 
body  of  Christ? 

*  John  vi.  56,  57.  He  that  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood, 
dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in  him.  As  the  living  Father  hath  sent  me, 
and  I  live  by  the  Father ;  so  he  that  eateth  me,  even  he  shall  live  by 
me.  Gal.  iii.  27.  For  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized  into 
Christ  have  put  on  Christ.  See  Rom.  iv.  11. 

v  Deut.  x.  16.  Circumcise  therefore  the  foreskin  of  your  heart,  and 
be  no  more  stiffnecked.  Deut.  xxx.  6.  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will 
circumcise  thine  heart,  and  the  heart  of  thy  seed,  to  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  that  thou  mayest 
live.  Rom.  vi.  3,  4.  Know  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  us  as  were  bap¬ 
tized  into  Jesus  Christ  were  baptized  into  his  death?  Therefore  we 
are  buried  with  him  by  baptism  into  death  :  that  like  as  Christ  was 
raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also 
should  walk  in  newness  of  life.  1  Cor.  v.  6-8.  Your  glorying  is  not 
good.  Know  ye  not  that  a  little  leaven  leaveneth  the  whole  lump? 
Purge  out  therefore  the  old  leaven,  that  ye  may  be  a  new  lump,  as  ye 
are  unleavened.  For  even  Christ  our  passover  is  sacrificed  for  us : 
Therefore  let  us  keep  the  feast,  not  with  old  leaven,  neither  with  the 
leaven  of  malice  and  wickedness ;  but  with  the  unleavened  bread  of 
sincerity  and  truth. 

21  Cor.  xii.  13.  For  by  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one  body, 
whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether  we  be  bond  or  free ;  and  have 
been  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit.  1  Cor.  x.  17.  For  we  being 
many  are  one  bread,  and  one  body:  for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that 
one  bread.  See  Eph.  iv.  3-5. 

°Lev.  xx.  26.  And  ye  shall  be  holy  unto  me:  for  I  the  Lord  am 
holy,  and  have  severed  you  from  other  people,  that  ye  should  be  mine, 
losh.  v.  9.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  This  day  have  I  rolled 
away  the  reproach  of  Egypt  from  off  you.  Wherefore  the  name  of 
the  place  is  called  Gilgal  unto  this  day.  Isa.  Iii.  1, 11.  Awake,  awake, 
put  on  thy  strength,  O  Zion:  put  on  thy  beautiful  garments,  O  Jeru¬ 
salem.  the  holy  city :  for  henceforth  there  shall  no  more  come  into 
thee  the  uncircumcised  and  the  unclean.— Depart  ye,  depart  ye,  go  ye 
out  from  thence,  touch  no  unclean  thing;  go  ye  out  of  the  midst  of 
her;  be  ye  clean,  that  bear  the  vessels  of  the  Lord.  1  Cor.  x.  21.  Ye 
cannot  drink  the  cup  of  the  Lord,  and  the  cup  of  devils:  ye  cannot 
be  partakers  of  the  Lord’s  table,  and  of  the  table  of  devils. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


279 


Q.  163.  What  are  the  parts  of  a  Sacrament? 

A.  The  parts  of  a  Sacrament  are  two :  the  one,  an  out¬ 
ward  and  sensible  sign  used  according  to  Christ’s  own  ap¬ 
pointment;  the  other,  an  inward  and  spiritual  grace  there¬ 
by  signified.^ 

Q.  164.  How  many  Sacraments  hath  Christ  instituted  in 
his  Church  under  the  New  Testament? 

A.  Under  the  New  Testament  Christ  hath  instituted  in 
his  Church  only  two  Sacraments,  Baptism,  and  the  Lord’s 
Supper.0 

Q.  165.  What  is  Baptism  ? 

A.  Baptism  is  a  Sacrament  of  the  New  Testament,  where¬ 
in  Christ  hath  ordained  the  washing  with  water  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,1 d  to  be  a  sign  and  seal  of  ingrafting  into  himself,0 
of  remission  of  sins  by  his  blood/  and  regeneration  by  his 
Spirit  of  adoption/  and  resurrection  unto  everlasting 
life:*  and  whereby  the  parties  baptized  are  solemnly  ad- 

163.  b  Matt.  iii.  11.  I  indeed  baptize  you  with  water  unto  repentance : 
but  he  that  cometh  after  me  is  mightier  than  I,  whose  shoes  I  am  not 
worthy  to  bear :  he  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  with 
fire.  See  1  Pet.  iii.  21. 

164.  c  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptiz¬ 
ing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  1  Cor.  xi.  23.  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which 
also  I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in 
which  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread. 

165.  dSee  Matt,  xxviii.  19. 

«Gal.  iii.  27.  For  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized  into  Christ 
have  put  on  Christ. 

/Acts  xxii.  16.  Arise,  and  be  baptized,  and  wash  away  thy  sins. 
Mark  i.  4.  John  did  baptize  in  the  wilderness,  and  preach  the  bap¬ 
tism  of  repentance  for  the  remission  of  sins.  Rev.  i.  5.  Unto  him 
that  loved  us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood. 

^  John  iii.  5.  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit,  he 
cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God.  Tit.  iii.  5.  According  to  his 
mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of 
the  Holy  Ghost. 

*Gal.  iii.  26,  27.  For  ye  are  all  the  children  of  God  by  faith  in  Christ 
Jesus.  For  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized  into  Christ  have 
put  on  Christ. 

•Col.  ii.  11, 12.  In  whom  also  ye  are  circumcised  with  the  circum¬ 
cision  made  without  hands,  in  putting  off  the  body  of  the  sins  of 


280 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


mitted  into  the  visible  Church,*  and  enter  into  an  open  and 
professed  engagement  to  be  wholly  and  only  the  Lord’s.* 

Q.  166.  Unto  whom  is  Baptism  to  be  administered  ? 

A.  Baptism  is  not  to  be  administered  to  any  that  are  out 
of  the  visible  Church,  and  so  strangers  from  the  covenant 
of  promise,  till  they  profess  their  faith  in  Christ,  and  obe¬ 
dience  to  him;w  but  infants  descending  from  parents, 
either  both  or  but  one  of  them,  professing  faith  in  Christ, 
and  obedience  to  him,  are  in  that  respect  within  the  cov¬ 
enant,  and  are  to  be  baptized.71 

Q  167.  How  is  our  Baptism  to  be  improved  by  us  ? 

A.  The  needful  but  much  neglected  duty  of  improving 
our  Baptism,  is  to  be  performed  by  us  all  our  life  long,  es¬ 
pecially  in  the  time  of  temptation,  and  when  we  are  pres¬ 
ent  at  the  administration  of  it  to  others,0  by  serious  and 
thankful  consideration  of  the  nature  of  it,  and  of  the  ends 
for  which  Christ  instituted  it,  the  privileges  and  benefits 

the  flesh  by  the  circumcision  of  Christ:  Buried  with  him  in  baptism, 
wherein  also  ye  are  risen  with  him  through  the  faith  of  the  operation 
of  God,  who  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead. 

k  Acts  ii.  41.  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were  baptized: 
and  the  same  day  there  were  added  unto  them  about  three  thousand 
souls. 

*Gal.  iii.  27,  28.  For  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized  into 
Christ  have  put  on  Christ.  There  is  neither  Jew  nor  Greek,  there  is 
neither  bond  nor  free,  there  is  neither  male  nor  female :  for  ye  are  all 
one  in  Christ  Jesus. 

lfif).  m  Acts  xviii.  8.  And  Crispus,  the  chief  ruler  of  the  synagogue, 
believed  on  the  Lord  with  all  his  house ;  and  many  of  the  Corinthians 
hearing  believed,  and  were  baptized. 

n  Acts  ii.  38,  39.  Then  Peter  said  unto  them,  Repent,  and  be  baptized 
every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  for  the  remission  of 
sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  For  the  prom¬ 
ise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off,  ei'cn 
as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call.  Luke  xviii.  16.  But  Jesus 
called  them  unto  him ,  and  said,  Suffer  little  children  to  come  unto  me, 
and  forbid  them  not :  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God.  1  Cor.  vii. 
14.  The  unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified  by  the  wife,  and  the  unbe¬ 
lieving  wife  is  sanctified  by  the  husband:  else  were  your  children 
unclean  ;  but  now  are  they  holy.  See  Rom.  xi.  16;  Gen.  xvii.  7-9, 
Gal.  iii.  9-14. 

167.  ®Eph.  iv.  30.  And  grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  whereby 
ye  are  sealed  unto  the  day  of  redemption.  Col.  ii.  6.  As  ye  have 
therefore  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  walk  ye  in  him. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


281 


conferred  and  sealed  thereby,  and  our  solemn  vow  made 
therein  ;P  by  being  humbled  for  our  sinful  defilement,  our 
falling  short  of,  and  walking  contrary  to,  the  grace  of  Bap¬ 
tism  and  our  engagements ;  Q  by  growing  up  to  assurance 
of  pardon  of  sin,  and  of  all  other  blessings  sealed  to  us  in 
that  Sacrament ;  r  by  drawing  strength  from  the  death  and 
resurrection  of  Christ,  into  whom  we  are  baptized,  for  the 
mortifying  of  sin,  and  quickening  of  grace ; s  and  by  en¬ 
deavoring  to  live  by  faith/  to  have  our  conversation  in 

pRom.  vi.  1-4.  What  shall  we  say  then  ?  Shall  we  continue  in  sin, 
that  grace  may  abound?  God  forbid.  How  shall  we,  that  are  dead 
to  sin,  live  any  longer  therein?  Know  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  us  as 
were  baptized  into  Jesus  Christ  were  baptized  into  his  death?  There¬ 
fore  we  are  buried  with  him  by  baptism  into  death :  that  like  as  Christ 
was  raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we 
also  should  walk  in  newness  of  life. 

?  1  Cor.  i.  11, 13.  For  it  hath  been  declared  unto  me  of  you,  my 
brethren,  by  them  which  are  of  the  house  of  Chloe,  that  there  are  con¬ 
tentions  among  you.— Is  Christ  divided?  was  Paul  crucified  for  you? 
or  were  ye  baptized  in  the  name  of  Paul?  Gal.  iii.  1-3.  O  foolish 
Galatians,  who  hath  bewitched  you,  that  ye  should  not  obey  the 
truth,  before  whose  eyes  Jesus  Christ  hath  been  evidently  set  forth, 
crucified  among  you?  This  only  would  I  learn  of  you,  Received  ye 
the  Spirit  by  the  works  of  the  law,  or  by  the  hearing  of  faith?  Are 
ye  so  foolish  ?  having  begun  in  the  Spirit,  are  ye  now  made  perfect 
by  the  flesh  ? 

’•Rom.  v.  1,  2.  Therefore  being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace 
with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  By  whom  also  we  have 
access  by  faith  into  this  grace  wherein  we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope 
of  the  glory  of  God.  Rom.  iv.  11, 12.  And  he  received  the  sign  of 
circumcision,  a  seal  of  the  righteousness  of  the  faith  which  he  had  yet 
being  uncircumcised :  that  he  might  be  the  father  of  all  them  that 
believe,  though  they  be  not  circumcised;  that  righteousness  might 
be  imputed  unto  them  also :  And  the  father  of  circumcision  to  them 
who  are  not  of  the  circumcision  only,  but  who  also  walk  in  the  steps 
of  that  faith  of  our  father  Abraham,  which  he  had  being  yet  uncir¬ 
cumcised.  1  Pet.  iii.  21.  The  like  figure  whereunto  even  baptism 
doth  also  now  save  us,  (not  the  putting  away  of  the  filth  of  the  flesh, 
but  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience  toward  God,)  by  the  resurrection 
of  Jesus  Christ. 

*Col.  iii.  1,  3,  5.  If  ye  then  be  risen  with  Christ,  seek  those  things 
which  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God.— For 
ye  are  dead,  and  your  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God. — Mortify  there¬ 
fore  your  members  which  are  upon  the  earth. 

*Heb.  x.  38,  39.  Now  the  just  shall  live  by  faith:  but  if  any  man 
draw  back,  my  soul  shall  have  no  pleasure  in  him.  But  we  are  not 


282 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


holiness  and  righteousness, M  as  those  that  have  therein 
given  up  their  names  to  Christ, ^  and  to  walk  in  brotherly 
love,  as  being  baptized  by  the  same  Spirit  into  one  body.x 
Q.  168.  What  is  the  Lord’ s  Supper  f 
A.  The  Lord’s  Supper  is  a  Sacrament  of  the  New  Testa¬ 
ment,?/  wherein,  by  giving  and  receiving  bread  and  wine 
according  to  the  appointment  of  Jesus  Christ,  his  death  is 
showed  forth ;  and  they  that  worthily  communicate,  feed 
upon  his  body  and  blood,  to  their  spiritual  nourishment 
and  growth  in  grace;* *  have  their  union  and  communion 
with  him  confirmed  ;a  testify  and  renew  their  thankful¬ 
ness  b  and  engagement  to  God,c  and  their  mutual  love  and 

of  them  who  draw  hack  unto  perdition ;  but  of  them  that  believe  to 
the  saving  of  the  soul. 

u  Rom.  vi.  22.  But  now  being  made  free  from  sin,  and  become  ser¬ 
vants  to  God,  ye  have  your  fruit  unto  holiness,  and  the  end  everlast¬ 
ing  life. 

“'Acts  ii.  38.  Then  Peter  said  unto  them,  Repent,  and  be  baptized 
every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins, 
and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

*  1  Cor.  xii.  13,  25-27.  For  by  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one 
body,  whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether  ice  be  bond  or  free ;  and 
have  been  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit.— That  there  should  be 
no  schism  in  the  body  ;  but  that  the  members  should  have  the  same 
care  one  for  another.  And  whether  one  member  suffer,  all  the  mem¬ 
bers  suffer  with  it:  or  one  member  be  honored,  all  the  members 
rejoice  with  it.  Now  ye  are  the  body  of  Christ,  and  members  in 
particular.  See  verses  14-24. 

168.  v  Luke  xxii.  20.  Likewise  also  the  cup  after  supper,  saying, 
This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you. 

*  Matt.  xxvi.  26,  27.  And  as  they  were  eating,  Jesus  took  bread,  and 
blessed  it,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the  disciples,  and  said,  Take, 
eat ;  this  is  my  body.  And  lie  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and 
gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it.  John  vi.  55,  56.  My  flesh 
is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed.  He  that  eateth  my 
flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood,  dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in  him.  See 
1  Cor.  xi.  23-27. 

°1  Cor.  x.  16.  The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  com¬ 
munion  of  the  blood  of  Christ?  The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not 
the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ  ? 

b  1  Cor.  xi.  25.  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood:  this  do 
ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me. 

e  1  Cor.  x.  21.  Ye  cannot  drink  the  cup  of  the  Lord,  and  the  cup  of 
devils :  ye  cannot  be  partakers  of  the  Lord’s  table,  and  of  the  table 
of  devil*. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


283 


fellowship  each  with  other,  as  members  of  the  same  mys¬ 
tical  body.rf 

Q.  169.  How  hath  Christ  appointed  bread  and  wine  to  be 
given  and  received  in  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Supper  f 
A.  Christ  hath  appointed  the  ministers  of  his  Word  in 
the  administration  of  this  Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Supper, 
to  set  apart  the  bread  and  wine  from  common  use  by  the 
word  of  institution,  thanksgiving,  and  prayer ;  to  take  and 
break  the  bread,  and  to  give  both  the  bread  and  the  wine 
to  the  communicants :  who  are  by  the  same  appointment 
to  take  and  eat  the  bread,  and  to  drink  the  wine;  in 
thankful  remembrance  that  the  body  of  Christ  was  broken 
and  given,  and  his  blood  shed  for  them.6 

Q.  170.  How  do  they  that  worthily  communicate  in  the 
Lords  Supper  feed  upon  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  therein  f 
A.  As  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  are  not  corporally 
or  carnally  present  in,  with,  or  under  the  bread  and  wine 
in  the  Lord’s  Supper ;/  and  yet  are  spiritually  present  to 
the  faith  of  the  receiver,  no  less  truly  and  really  than  the 
elements  themselves  are  to  their  outward  senses ;  9  so  they 
that  worthily  communicate  in  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s 
Supper,  do  therein  feed  upon  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ, 
not  after  a  corporal  or  carnal,  but  in  a  spiritual  manner; 
yet  truly  and  really,^  while  by  faith  they  receive  and  apply 


dl  Cor.  x.  17.  For  we,  being  many,  are  one  bread,  and  one  body: 
for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one  bread. 

169.  e  Mark  xiv.  22-24.  And  as  they  did  eat,  Jesus  took  bread,  and 
blessed,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  to  them,  and  said,  Take,  eat;  this  is 
my  body.  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he 
gave  it  to  them:  and  they  all  drank  of  it.  And  he  said  unto  them, 
This  is  my  blood  of  the  new  testament,  which  is  shed  for  many.  See 
1  Cor.  xi.  23,  24. 

170. /  Acts  iii.  21.  Whom  the  heaven  must  receive  until  the  times 
of  restitution  of  all  things. 

9  Matt.  xxvi.  26,  28.  And  as  they  were  eating,  Jesus  took  bread,  and 
blessed  it,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the  disciples,  and  said,  Take, 
eat;  this  is  my  body. — For  this  is  my  blood  of  the  new  testament, 
which  is  shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins. 

h  John  vi.  51-53.  I  am  the  living  bread  which  came  down  from 
heaven  :  if  any  man  eat  of  this  bread,  he  shall  live  for  ever :  and  the 
bread  that  I  will  give  is  my  flesh,  which  I  will  give  for  the  life  of  the 


284 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


unto  themselves  Christ  crucified,  and  all  the  benefits  of 
his  death.1* 

Q.  171.  How  are  they  that  receive  the  Sacrament  of  the 
Lord’s  Supper  to  prepare  themselves  before  they  come  unto  it  ? 

A.  They  that  receive  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Sup¬ 
per,  are,  before  they  come,  to  prepare  themselves  there¬ 
unto,  by  examining  themselves  k  of  their  being  in  Christ 
of  their  sins  and  wants;771  of  the  truth  and  measure  of 
their  knowledge,71  faith,0  repentance,  P  love  to  God  and  the 
brethren, Q  charity  to  all  men,7*  forgiving  those  that  have 


world.  The  Jews  therefore  strove  among  themselves,  saying,  Howt 
can  this  man  give  us  his  flesh  to  eat?  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them, 
Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Except  ye  eat  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of 
man,  and  drink  his  blood,  ye  have  no  life  in  you. 

» 1  Cor.  x.  1G.  The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  com¬ 
munion  of  the  blood  of  Christ?  The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not 
he  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ? 

171.*  1  Cor.  xi.  28.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him 
eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup. 

«Phil.  iii.  8.  9.  I  count  all  things  bat  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the 
Knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord :  for  whom  I  have  suffered  the 
loss  of  all  things,  and  do  count  them  but  dung,  that  I  may  win  Christ, 
And  be  found  in  him. 

m  psa.  cxxxix.  23,  24.  Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart  :  try 
me,  and  know  my  thoughts :  And  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in 
me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting. 

«1  Cor.  xi.  29.  For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily, 
eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  to  himself,  not  discerning  the  Lord’s 
body. 

°2  Cor.  xiii.  5.  Examine  yourselves,  whether  ye  be  in  the  faith ; 
prove  your  own  selves.  Know  ye  not  your  own  selves,  how  that 
Jesus  Christ  is  in  you,  except  ye  be  reprobates? 

p  Zech.  xii.  10.  And  I  will  pour  upon  the  house  of  David,  and  upon 
the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  the  spirit  of  grace  and  of  supplications  : 
and  they  shall  look  upon  me  whom  they  have  pierced,  and  they  shall 
mourn  for  him,  as  one  mournetli  for  his  only  son,  and  shall  be  in 
bitterness  for  him,  as  one  that  is  in  bitterness  for  his  firstborn. 
1  Cor.  xi.  31.  For  if  we  would  judge  ourselves,  we  should  not  be 
judged. 

? 1  Cor.  x.  17.  For  we  being  many  arc  one  bread,  and  one  body :  for 
we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one  bread. 

rl  Cor.  xi.  18,  20.  For  first  of  all,  when  ye  come  together  in  the 
church,  I  hear  that  there  be  divisions  among  you;  and  I  partly 
believe  it.  When  ye  come  together  therefore  into  one  place,  this  is 
not  to  eat  the  Lord’s  supper. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


285 


done  them  wrong ; s  of  their  desires  after  Christ ; i  and  of 
their  new  obedience :  u  and  by  renewing  the  exercise  of 
these  graces, ^  by  serious  meditation,* *  and  fervent  prayer.!/ 
Q.  172.  May  one  who  doubteth  of  his  being  in  Christ ,  or 
of  his  due  preparation ,  come  to  the  Lord’s  Supper  ? 

A.  One  who  doubteth  of  his  being  in  Christ,  or  of  his 
due  preparation  to  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Supper, 
may  have  true  interest  in  Christ,  though  he  be  not  yet 
assured  thereof;2  and  in  God’s  account  hath  it,  if  he  be 
duly  affected  with  the  apprehension  of  the  want  of  it,a  and 

*  Matt.  v.  23,  24.  Therefore  if  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the  altar,  and 
there  rememberest  that  thy  brother  hath  aught  against  thee ;  Leave 
there  thy  gift  before  the  altar,  and  go  thy  way ;  first  be  reconciled  to 
thy  brother,  and  then  come  and  offer  thy  gift. 

*  John  vii.  37.  Jesus  stood  and  cried,  saying,  If  any  man  thirst,  let 
him  come  unto  me,  and  drink.  Isa.  lv.  1.  Ho,  every  one  that  thirst- 
eth,  come  ye  to  the  waters,  and  he  that  hath  no  money;  come  ye, 
buy,  and  eat ;  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without  money  and 
without  price. 

u  1  Cor.  v.  8.  Therefore  let  us  keep  the  feast,  not  with  old  leaven, 
neither  with  the  leaven  of  malice  and  wickedness  ;  but  with  the  un¬ 
leavened  bread  of  sincerity  and  truth.  Rom.  vi.  17,  18.  But  God  be 
thanked,  that  ye  were  the  servants  of  sin,  but  ye  have  obeyed  from 
the  heart  that  form  of  doctrine  which  was  delivered  you.  Being 
then  made  free  from  sin,  ye  became  the  servants  of  righteousness. 
Luke  xix.  8.  And  Zaccheus  stood,  and  said  unto  the  Lord ;  Behold, 
Lord,  the  half  of  my  goods  I  give  to  the  poor ;  and  if  I  have  taken 
any  thing  from  any  man  by  false  accusation,  I  restore  him  fourfold. 

“'Heb.  x.  21,  22,  24.  And  having  a  high  priest  over  the  house  of  God  ; 
Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart  in  full  assurance  of  faith,  having 
our  hearts  sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience,  and  our  bodies  washed 
with  pure  water.— And  let  us  consider  one  another  to  provoke  unto 
love  and  to  good  works.  Psa.  xxvi.  6.  I  will  wash  mine  hands  in 
innocency:  so  will  I  compass  thine  altar,  O  Lord. 

*  1  Cor.  xi.  24.  This  do  in  remembrance  of  me. 

y  Matt.  xxvi.  26.  Jesus  took  bread,  and  blessed  it.  See  Eph.  iii.  14- 
19. 

172. 2 1  John  v.  13.  These  things  have  I  written  unto  you  that 
believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God ;  that  ye  may  know  that  ye 
have  eternal  life,  and  that  ye  may  believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of 
God.  See  Psa.  lxxvii.  1-12. 

a  Isa.  liv.  7-10.  For  a  small  moment  have  I  forsaken  thee ;  but  with 
great  mercies  will  I  gather  thee.  In  a  little  wrath  I  hid  my  face  from 
thee  for  a  moment;  but  with  everlasting  kindness  will  I  have  mercy 
on  thee,  saith  the  Lord  thy  Redeemer.  For  this  is  as  the  waters  of 
Noah  unto  me :  for  as  I  have  sworn  that  the  waters  of  Noah  should 


286 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


unfeignedly  desires  to  be  found  in  Christ,6  and  to  depart 
from  iniquity:  c  in  which  case  (because  promises  are  made, 
and  this  Sacrament  is  appointed,  for  the  relief  even  of 
weak  and  doubting  Christians)  d  he  is  to  bewail  his  unbe¬ 
lief,1 e  and  labor  to  have  his  doubts  resolved  ;/  and,  so  doing, 
he  may  and  ought  to  come  to  the  Lord’s  Supper,  that  he 
may  be  further  strengthened.^ 

Q.  173.  May  any  who  profess  the  faith ,  and  desire  to  come 
to  the  Lord's  Supper ,  be  kept  from  it. 

A.  Such  as  are  found  to  be  ignorant  or  scandalous,  not¬ 
withstanding  their  profession  ot  the  faith,  and  desire  to 
come  to  the  Lord’s  Supper,  may  and  ought  to  be  kept  from 
that  Sacrament  by  the  power  which  Christ  hath  left  in  his 


no  more  go  over  the  earth  ;  so  have  I  sworn  that  I  would  not  be 
wroth  with  thee,  nor  rebuke  thee.  For  the  mountains  shall  depart, 
and  the  hills  be  removed ;  but  my  kindness  shall  not  depart  from 
thee,  neither  shall  the  covenant  of  my  peace  be  removed,  saith  the 
Lord  that  hath  mercy  on  thee.  Matt.  v.  3,  4.  Blessed  are  the  poor  in 
spirit :  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Blessed  are  they  that 
mourn  :  for  they  shall  be  comforted.  Psa.  xxxi.  22.  For  I  said  in  my 
haste,  I  am  cut  off  from  before  thine  eyes :  nevertheless  thou  heard- 
est  the  voice  of  my  supplications  when  I  cried  unto  thee.  1  John  v. 
15.  And  if  we  know  that  he  hear  us,  whatsoever  we  ask,  we  know  that 
we  have  the  petitions  that  we  desired  of  him. 

<>Psa.  xlii.  11.  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul?  and  why  art 
thou  disquieted  within  me  ?  hope  thou  in  God  :  for  I  shall  yet  praise 
him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God.  See  Phil, 
iii.  8,  9. 

«2  Tim.  ii.  19.  Nevertheless  the  foundation  of  God  standeth  sure, 
having  this  seal.  The  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  his.  And,  Let 
every  one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity. 
Rom.  vii.  24,  25.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am!  who  shall  deliver  me 
from  the  body  of  this  death  ?  I  thank  God  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

d  Matt.  xxvi.  28.  For  this  is  my  blood  of  the  new  testament,  which 
is  shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins.  Matt.  xi.  28.  Come  unto 
me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest. 
See  Isa.  xl.  11,  29,  31. 

« Mark  ix.  24.  And  said  with  tears,  Lord,  I  believe ;  help  thou  mine 
unbelief. 

f  Acts  xvi.  30.  And  brought  them  out,  and  said,  Sirs,  what  must  I 
do  to  be  saved  ? 

o  1  Cor.  xi.  28.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him  eat 
of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


287 


Church,^  until  they  receive  instruction,  and  manifest  their 
reformation.* 

Q.  174.  What  is  required  o  f  them  that  receive  the  Sacrament 
of  the  Lord’s  Supper  in  the  time  of  the  administration  of  it? 

A.  It  is  required  of  them  that  receive  the  Sacrament 
of  the  Lord’s  Supper,  that,  during  the  time  of  the  ad¬ 
ministration  of  it,  with  all  holy  reverence  and  atten¬ 
tion  they  wait  upon  God  in  that  ordinance, diligently 
observe  the  sacramental  elements  and  actions/  heed- 
fully  discern  the  Lord’s  body,m  and  affectionately 
meditate  on  his  death  and  sufferings, w  and  thereby  stir 
up  themselves  to  a  vigorous  exercise  of  their  graces ; 0 


173.  h  1  Cor.  xi.  29.  For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily  eat- 
eth  and  drinketh  damnation  [judgment]  to  himself,  not  discerning 
the  Lord’s  body.  1  Cor.  y.  11.  But  now  I  have  written  unto  you  not 
to  keep  company,  if  any  man  that  is  called  a  brother  be  a  fornicator, 
or  covetous,  or  an  idolater,  or  a  railer,  or  a  drunkard,  or  an  extor¬ 
tioner;  with  such  an  one  not  to  eat.  Matt.  vii.  6,.  Give  not  that 
which  is  holy  unto  the  dogs,  neither  cast  ye  your  pearls  before  swine, 
lest  they  trample  them  under  their  feet,  and  turn  again  and  rend  you. 
Jude  23.  And  others  save  with  fear,  pulling  them  out  of  the  fire ; 
hating  even  the  garment  spotted  by  the  flesh. 

♦  Gal.  vi.  1.  Brethren,  if  a  man  be  overtaken  in  a  fault,  ye  which 
are  spiritual,  restore  such  a  one  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  ;  consider¬ 
ing  thyself,  lest  thou  also  be  tempted. 

174.  k  Heb.  xii.  28.  Wherefore  we  receiving  a  kingdom  which  cannot 
be  moved,  let  us  have  grace,  whereby  we  may  serve  God  acceptably 
with  reverence  and  godly  fear.  Lev.  x.  3.  Then  Moses  said  unto 
Aaron,  This  is  it  that  the  Lord  spake,  saying,  I  will  be  sanctified  in 
them  that  come  nigh  me,  and  before  all  the  people  I  will  be  glorified. 
And  Aaron  held  his  peace. 

1  Ex.  xxiv.  8.  And  Moses  took  the  blood,  and  sprinkled  it  on  the 
people,  and  said,  Behold  the  blood  of  the  covenant,  which  the  Lord 
hath  made  with  you  concerning  all  these  words.  Matt.  xxvi.  28.  For 
this  is  my  blood  of  the  new  testament,  which  is  shed  for  many  for  the 
remission  of  sins. 

m  1  Cor.  xi.  29.  For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily,  eateth 
and  drinketh  damnation  to  himself,  not  discerning  the  Lord’s  body. 

n  1  Cor.  xi.  26.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup, 
ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death  till  he  come. 

o  Eph.  iii.  17-19.  That  ye,  being  rooted  and  grounded  in  love,  May 
be  able  to  comprehend  with  all  saints  what  is  the  breadth,  and 
length,  and  depth,  and  height ;  And  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which 
passeth  knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  filled  with  all  the  fullness  of 
God. 


288 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 

in  judging  themselves P  and  sorrowing  for  sin  ;  Q  in  earnest 
hungering  and  thirsting  after  Christ, r  feeding  on  him  by 
faith, s  receiving  of  his  fullness/  trusting  in  his  merits, u  re¬ 
joicing  in  his  love,™  giving  thanks  for  his  grace ; *  *  in  renew¬ 
ing  of  their  covenant  with  God, v  and  love  to  all  the  saints.2 

Q.  175.  What  is  the  duty  of  Christians ,  after  they  have  re¬ 
ceived  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Supper  ? 

A.  The  duty  of  Christians,  after  they  have  received  the 
Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Supper,  is  seriously  to  consider 
how  they  have  behaved  themselves  therein,  and  with  what 
success;0  if  they  find  quickening  and  comfort,  to  bless 

p  1  Cor.  xi.  31.  For  if  we  would  judge  ourselves,  we  should  not  be 
judged. 

?Zech.  xii.  10.  And  they  shall  look  upon  me  whom  they  have 
pierced,  and  they  shall  mourn  for  him,  as  one  mourneth  for  his  only 
son,  and  shall  be  in  bitterness  for  him,  as  one  that  is  in  bitterness  for 
his  firstborn. 

r  Rev.  xxii.  17.  And  the  Spirit  and  the  bride  say,  Come.  And  let 
him  that  heareth  say,  Come.  And  let  him  that  is  athirst  come.  And 
whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water  of  life  freely. 

8  Gal.  ii.  20.  And  the  life  which  I  now  live  in  the  flesh  I  live  by  the 
faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave  himself  for  me. 
John  vi.  35.  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  I  am  the  bread  of  life :  he 
that  cometh  to  me  shall  never  hunger ;  and  he  that  believeth  on  me 
shall  never  thirst. 

I  John  i.  16.  And  of  his  fullness  have  all  we  received,  and  grace  for 
grace.  Col.  i.  19.  For  it  pleased  the  Father  that  in  him  should  all  full¬ 
ness  dwell. 

“Phil.  iii.  9.  And  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteous¬ 
ness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of 
Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith. 

*"1  Pet.  i.  8.  Whom  having  not  seen,  ye  love  ;  in  whom,  though  now 
ye  see  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye  rejoice  wTith  joy  unspeakable  and  full 
of  glory. 

*  Psa.  xxii.  26.  The  meek  shall  eat  and  be  satisfied :  they  shall 
praise  the  Lord  that  seek  him:  your  heart  shall  live  for  ever. 

v  Jer.  i.  5.  Come,  and  let  us  join  ourselves  to  the  Lord  in  a  per¬ 
petual  covenant  that  shall  not  be  forgotten.  Psa.  1.  5.  Gather  my 
saints  together  unto  me;  those  that  have  made  a  covenant  with  me 
by  sacrifice. 

I I  Cor.  x.  17.  For  we  being  many  are  one  bread  and  one  body  :  for 
we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one  bread.  Acts  ii.  42.  And  they  con¬ 
tinued  steadfastly  in  the  apostles’  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in 
breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 

175.  «  Psa.  lxxiii.  28.  But  it  is  good  for  me  to  draw  near  to  God  :  1 
have  put  my  trust  in  the  Lord  God,  that  I  may  declare  all  thy  works 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM . 


289 


God  for  it/  beg  the  continuance  of  it/  watch  against  re¬ 
lapses, d  fulfill  their  vows/  and  encourage  themselves  to  a 
frequent  attendance  on  that  ordinance:/  but,  if  they  find 
no  present  benefit,  more  exactly  to  review  their  prepara¬ 
tion  to,  and  carriage  at  the  Sacrament ;  9  in  both  which,  if 
they  can  approve  themselves  to  God  and  their  own  con¬ 
sciences,  they  are  to  wait  for  the  fruit  of  it  in  due  time  :  h 


1  Cor.  xi.  17,  30,  31.  Now  in  this  that  I  declare  unto  you  I  praise  you 
not,  that  ye  come  together  not  for  the  better,  but  for  the  worse.— For 
this  cause  many  are  weak  and  sickly  among  you,  and  many  sleep. 
For  if  we  would  judge  ourselves,  we  should  not  be  judged. 

6  Acts  ii.  42,  46,  47.  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the  apostles’ 
doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 
—And  they,  continuing  daily  with  one  accord  in  the  temple,  and 
breaking  bread  from  house  to  house,  did  eat  their  meat  with  glad¬ 
ness  and  singleness  of  heart,  Praising  God,  and  having  favor  with 
all  the  people. 

cRom.  xv.  13.  Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy  and  peace 
in  believing,  that  ye  may  abound  in  hope,  through  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  Psa.  xxxvi.  10.  O  continue  thy  lovingkindness  unto 
them  that  know  thee ;  and  thy  righteousness  to  the  upright  in  heart. 

dlCor.  x.  12.  Wherefore  let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth  take 
heed  lest  he  fall.  Rom.  xi.  20.  Well ;  because  of  unbelief  they  were 
broken  off,  and  thou  standest  by  faith.  Be  not  highminded,  but  fear. 

«Psa.  1. 14.  Offer  unto  God  thanksgiving  ;  and  pay  thy  vows  unto 
the  Most  High. 

/I  Cor.  xi.  25,  26.  After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when 
he  had  supped,  saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood : 
this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often 
as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death 
till  he  come.  Psa.  xxvii.  4.  One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord, 
that  will  I  seek  after ;  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all 
the  days  of  my  life,  to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  inquire 
in  his  temple.  Acts  ii.  42.  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the 
apostles’  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in 
prayers. 

^Psa.  lxxvii.  6.  I  commune  with  mine  own  heart:  and  my  spirit 
made  diligent  search.  Psa.  cxxxix.  23,  24.  Search  me,  O  God,  and 
know  my  heart :  try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts  :  And  see  if  there  he 
any  wicked  way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting. 

APsa.  cxxiii.  1,  2.  Unto  thee  lift  I  up  mine  eyes,  O  thou  that  dwell- 
est  in  the  heavens.  Behold,  as  the  eyes  of  servants  look  unto  the 
hand  of  their  masters,  and  as  the  eyes  of  a  maiden  unto  the  hand  of 
her  mistress;  so  our  eyes  wait  upon  the  Lord  our  God,  until  that  he 
have  mercy  upon  us.  Isa.  viii.  17.  And  I  will  wait  upon  the  Lord, 
that  hideth  his  face  from  the  house  of  Jacob,  and  I  will  look  for  him. 

19 


290 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


but,  if  they  see  that  they  have  failed  in  either,  they  are  to 
be  humbled,1"  and  to  attend  upon  it  afterward  with  more 
care  and  diligence. 

Q.  176.  Wherein  do  the  Sacraments  of  Baptism  and  the 
Lord's  Supper  agree? 

A.  The  Sacraments  of  Baptism  and  the  Lord’s  Supper 
agree,  in  that  the  author  of  both  is  God ; 1  the  spiritual 
part  of  both  is  Christ  and  his  benefits ; m  both  are 
seals  of  the  same  covenant,71  are  to  be  dispensed  bv 
ministers  of  the  gospel  and  by  none  other;0  and  to  be 

»Hos.  xiv.  2.  Take  with  you  words,  and  turn  to  the  Lord  :  say  unto 
him,  Take  away  all  iniquity,  and  receive  us  graciously :  so  will  we 
render  the  calves  of  our  lips.  Hosea  vi.  1,  2.  Come,  and  let  us  return 
unto  the  Lord:  for  he  hath  torn,  and  he  will  heal  us ;  he  hath  smit¬ 
ten,  and  he  will  bind  us  up.  After  two  days  will  he  revive  us  :  in  the 
third  day  he  will  raise  us  up,  and  we  shall  live  in  his  sight. 

*2  Cor.  vii.  11.  For  behold  this  self-same  thing,  that  ye  sorrowed 
after  a  godly  sort,  what  carefulness  it  wrought  in  you,  yea,  what  clear¬ 
ing  of  yourselves,  yea,  what  indignation,  yea,  what  fear,  yea,  what 
vehement  desire,  yea,  what  zeal,  yea,  what  revenge!  In  all  things  ye 
have  approved  yourselves  to  be  clear  in  this  matter.  See  1  Chron. 
xv.  12-14. 

176.  1  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap¬ 
tizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  1  Cor.  xi.  23.  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which 
also  I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which 
he  was  betrayed,  took  bread. 

™Rom.  vi.  3,  4.  Know  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  us  as  were  baptized 
into  Jesus  Christ  were  baptized  into  his  death?  Therefore  we  are 
buried  with  him  by  baptism  into  death  :  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised 
up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should 
walk  in  newness  of  life.  1  Cor.  x.  16.  The  cup  of  blessing  which  we 
bless,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of  Christ?  The  bread 
which  we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ ? 

nCol.  ii.  11, 12.  In  whom  also  ye  are  circumcised  with  the  circum¬ 
cision  made  without  hands,  in  putting  off  the  body  of  the  sins  of  the 
flesh  by  the  circumcision  of  Christ:  Buried  with  him  in  baptism, 
wherein  also  ye  are  risen  with  him  through  the  faith  of  the  operation 
of  God,  who  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead.  See  Rom.  iv.  11.  Matt, 
xxvi.  27,  28.  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and  gave  it  to 
them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it;  For  this  is  my  blood  of  the  new 
testament,  which  is  shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins. 

°Matt.  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  1  Cor.  xi.  23.  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also 
I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


291. 


continued  in  the  Church  of  Christ  until  his  second 
comingJ0 

Q.  177.  Wherein  do  the  Sacraments  of  Baptism  and  the 
Lord’s  Supper  differ  f 

A.  The  Sacraments  of  Baptism  and  the  Lord’s  Supper 
differ,  in  that  Baptism  is  to  be  administered  but  once, 
with  water,  to  be  a  sign  and  seal  of  our  regeneration  and 
ingrafting  into  Christ, 2  and  that  even  to  infants  \r  where¬ 
as  the  Lord’s  Supper  is  to  be  administered  often,  in  the 
elements  of  bread  and  wine,  to  represent  and  exhibit 
Christ  as  spiritual  nourishment  to  the  soul,s  and  to  con¬ 
firm  our  continuance  and  growth  in  him }  and  that  only 
to  such  as  are  of  years  and  ability  to  examine  them¬ 
selves.** 


he  was  betrayed,  took  bread.  1  Cor.  iv.  1.  Let  a  man  so  account 
of  us,  as  of  the  ministers  of  Christ,  and  stewards  of  the  mysteries 
of  God. 

pMatt.  xxviii.  20.  Teaching  them  [all  nations]  to  observe  all  things 
whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you :  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway, 
even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.  1  Cor.  xi.  26.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat 
this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death  till  he 
come. 

177. 9  Matt.  iii.  11.  I  indeed  baptize  you  with  water  unto  repentance  : 
but  he  that  cometh  after  me  is  mightier  than  I,  whose  shoes  I  am  not 
worthy  to  bear :  he  shall  baptize  you  witli  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  with 
fire.  Gal.  iii.  27.  For  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized  into 
Christ  have  put  on  Christ.  Titus  iii.  5.  Not  by  works  of  righteous¬ 
ness  which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us, 
by  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

r  Acts  ii.  38,  39.  Repent,  and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you.— For  the 
promise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your  children.  1  Cor.  vii.  14.  For  the 
unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified  by  the  wife,  and  the  unbelieving 
wife  is  sanctified  by  the  husband :  else  were  your  children  unclean ; 
but  now  are  they  holy. 

8 1  Cor.  xi.  26.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup, 
ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death  till  he  come.  John  vi.  51.  I  am  the  liv¬ 
ing  bread  which  came  down  from  heaven ;  if  any  man  eat  of  this 
bread,  he  shall  live  for  ever:  and  the  bread  that  I  will  give  is  my 
flesh,  which  I  will  give  for  the  life  of  the  world. 

* 1  Cor.  x.  16.  The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  com¬ 
munion  of  the  blood  of  Christ?  The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not 
the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ? 

M  1  Cor.  xi.  28.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him  eat 
of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup. 


292 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q .  178.  \Vh  at  is  p rayer  ? 

A.  Prayer  is  an  offering  up  of  our  desires  unto  God,^  in 
the  name  of  Christ,* *  by  the  help  of  his  Spirit;  v  with  con¬ 
fession  of  our  sins,3  and  thankful  acknowledgment  of  his 
mercies. a 

Q.  179.  Are  we  to  pray  unto  God  only? 

A.  God  only  being  able  to  search  the  hearts,6  hear  the 
requests, c  pardon  the  sins,6*  and  fulfill  the  desires  of  all ;  e 
and  only  to  be  believed  in,/  and  worshiped  with  religious 


178.  w  Psa.  lxii.  8.  Trust  in  him  at  all  times ;  ye  people,  pour  out  your 
heart  before  him :  God  is  a  refuge  for  us.  Psa.  x.  17.  Lord,  thou  hast 
heard  the  desire  of  the  humble :  thou  wilt  prepare  their  heart,  thou 
wilt  cause  thine  ear  to  hear.  Rom.  x.  1.  Brethren,  my  heart’s  desire 
and  prayer  to  God  for  Israel  is,  that  they  might  be  saved. 

*  John  xvi.  23,  24.  Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  the  Father  in  my  name, 
he  will  give  it  you.  Hitherto  have  ye  asked  nothing  in  my  name: 
ask,  and  ye  shall  receive,  that  your  joy  may  be  full. 

y  Rom.  viii.  2G.  Likewise  the  Spirit  also  lielpeth  our  infirmities;  for 
we  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought:  but  the  SpirL 
itself  maketh  intercession  for  us,  with  groanings  which  cannot  be 
uttered. 

1  Dan.  ix.  4.  And  I  prayed  unto  the  Lord  my  God,  and  made  my 
confession.  Psa.  xxxii.  5,  6.  I  said,  I  will  confess  my  transgressions 
unto  the  Lord;  and  thou  forgavest  the  iniquity  of  my  sin.  Selah. 
For  this  shall  every  one  that  is  godly  pray  unto  thee  in  a  time  when 
thou  mayest  be  found. 

a  Phil.  iv.  G.  In  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication  with  thanks¬ 
giving  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God. 

179. 6 1  Kings  viii.  39.  Thou,  even  thou  only,  knowest  the  hearts  of 
all  the  children  of  men.  Acts  i.  24.  And  they  prayed,  and  said 
Thou,  Lord,  which  knowest  the  hearts  of  all  men,  show  whether  of 
these  two  thou  hast  chosen.  Rom.  viii.  27.  And  he  that  searcheth 
the  hearts  knoweth  what  is  the  mind  of  the  Spirit,  because  he  maketh' 
intercession  for  the  saints  according  to  the  will  of  God. 

-  Psa.  xlv.  2.  O  thou  that  hearest  prayer,  unto  thee  shall  all  flesh 
come. 

d  Micah  vii.  18.  Who  is  a  God  like  unto  thee,  that  pardoneth  in¬ 
iquity,  and  passeth  by  the  transgression  of  the  remnant  of  his 
heritage? 

*Psa.  cxlv.  16, 19.  Thou  openest  thine  hand,  and  satisfied  the  de¬ 
sire  of  every  living  thing. — lie  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that  fear 
him :  he  also  will  hear  their  cry,  and  will  save  them. 

/2  Sam.  xxii.  32.  For  who  is  God,  save  the  Lord?  and  who  is  a  rock, 
save  our  God?  John  xiv.  1.  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled:  ye  be 
Veve  in  God. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


293 


worship:?  prayer,  which  is  a  special  part  thereof, is  to 
be  made  bv  all  to  him  alone,* *  and  to  none  other.4 

Q.  180.  What  is  it  to  pray  in  the  name  of  Christ  f 

A.  To  pray  in  the  name  of  Christ,  is,  in  obedience  to 
his  command,  and  in  confidence  on  his  promises,  to  ask 
mercy  for  his  sake : 1  not  by  bare  mentioning  of  his  name ; m 
but  by  drawing  our  encouragement  to  pray,  and  our  bold¬ 
ness,  strength,  and  hope  of  acceptance  in  prayer,  from 
Christ  and  his  mediation.71 


9  Matt.  iv.  10.  Then  saith  Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee  hence,  Satan • 
for  it  is  written,  Thou  shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only 
shalt  thou  serve. 

h  1  Cor.  i.  2.  Unto  the  church  of  God  which  is  at  Corinth,  to  them 
that  are  sanctified  in  Christ  Jesus,  called  to  be  saints,  with  all  that  in 
every  place  call  upon  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  both  theirs 
and  ours. 

*  Isa.  xlii.  8.  I  am  the  Lord  ;  that  is  my  name :  and  my  glory  will  I 
not  give  to  another,  neither  my  praise  to  graven  images.  Psa.  1. 15. 
And  call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble :  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou 
shall  glorify  me.  Rom.  x.  12, 13.  For  there  is  no  difference  between 
the  Jew  and  the  Greek :  for  the  same  Lord  over  all  is  rich  unto  all 
that  call  upon  him.  For  whosoever  shall  call  upon  the  name  of  the 
Lord  shall  be  saved. 

k  Jer.  iii.  23.  Truly  in  vain  is  salvation  hoped  for  from  the  hills,  and 
from  the  multitude  of  mountains :  truly  in  the  Lord  our  God  is  the 
salvation  of  Israel.  Jer.  xiv.  22.  Are  there  any  among  the  vanities 
of  the  Gentiles  that  can  cause  rain?  or  can  the  heavens  give 
showers?  Art  not  thou  he,  O  Lord  our  God?  therefore  we  will  wait 
upon  thee :  for  thou  hast  made  all  these  things. 

180. 1  John  xiv.  13,  14.  And  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name, 
that  will  I  do,  that  the  Father  may  be  glorified  in  the  Son.  If  ye  shall 
ask  any  thing  in  my  name,  I  will  do  it.  Dan.  ix.  17.  Now  therefore, 
O  our  God,  hear  the  prayer  of  thy  servant,  and  his  supplications,  and 
cause  thy  face  to  shine  upon  thy  sanctuary  that  is  desolate,  for  the 
Lord’s  sake. 

m  Matt.  vii.  21.  Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  me,  Lord,  Lord,  shall 
outer  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven ;  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my 
Father  which  is  in  heaven.  See  verses  22,  23. 

nHeb.  iv.  14-16.  Seeing  then  that  we  have  a  great  high  priest,  that 
is  passed  into  the  heavens,  Jesus  the  Son  of  God,  let  us  hold  fast  our 
profession.  For  we  have  not  a  high  priest  which  cannot  be  touched 
with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities  ;  but  was  in  all  points  tempted  like 
as  we  are,  yet  without  sin.  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the 
throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in 
time  of  need.  See  1  John  v.  13-15. 


294 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  181.  Why  are  ice  to  pray  in  the  name  of  Christ? 

A.  The  sinfulness  of  man,  and  his  distance  from  God 
by  reason  thereof,  being  so  great,  as  that  we  can  have  no 
access  into  his  presence  without  a  mediator ; 0  and  there 
being  none  in  heaven  or  earth  appointed  to,  or  fit  for,  that 
glorious  work  but  Christ  alone  ;P  we  are  to  pray  in  no 
other  name  but  his  only. Q 

Q.  182.  How  doth  the  Spirit  help  us  to  pray? 

A.  We  not  knowing  what  to  pray  for  as  we  ought,  the 
Spirit  helpeth  our  infirmities,  by  enabling  us  to  under¬ 
stand  both  for  whom,  and  what,  and  how  prayer  is  to  be 
made ;  and  by  working  and  quickening  in  our  hearts  (al¬ 
though  not  in  all  persons,  nor  at  all  times  in  the  same 
measure)  those  apprehensions,  affections,  and  graces, 
which  are  requisite  for  the  right  performance  of  that 
duty/ 


181.  0  Isa.  lix.  2.  But  your  iniquities  have  separated  between  you 
and  your  God,  and  your  sins  have  hid  his  face  from  you,  that  he  will 
not  hear.  John  xiv.  6.  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way,  the  truth, 
and  the  life:  no  man  cometh  unto  the  Father,  but  by  me.  Eph.  iii. 
12.  In  whom  we  have  boldness  and  access  with  confidence  by  the 
faith  of  him. 

p  Heb.  vii.  25-27.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the 
uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  them.  For  such  a  high  priest  became  us,  who  is  holy, 
harmless,  undefiled,  separate  from  sinners,  and  made  higher  than  the 
heavens ;  Who  needeth  not  daily,  as  those  high  priests,  to  offer  up  sac¬ 
rifice,  first  for  his  own  sins,  and  then  for  the  people’s:  for  this  he  did 
once,  when  he  offered  up  himself.  1  Tim.  ii.  5.  For  there  is  one  God, 
and  one  mediator  between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus.  John 
vi.  27.  Labor  not  for  the  meat  which  perisheth,  but  for  that  meat 
which  endureth  unto  everlasting  life,  which  the  Son  of  man  shall 
give  unto  you :  for  him  hath  God  the  Father  sealed. 

i Col.  iii.  17.  And  whatsoever  ye  do  in  word  or  deed,  do  all  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  giving  thanks  to  God  and  the  Father  by  him. 
Heb.  xiii.  15.  By  him  therefore  let  us  offer  the  sacrifice  of  praise  to 
God  continually,  that  is,  the  fruit  of  our  lips,  giving  thanks  to  his 
name. 

182.  r  Rom.  viii.  26.  Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth  ournnfirmities: 
for  we  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought ;  but  the  Spirit 
itself  maketh  intercession  for  us  with  groanings  which  cajinot  be  ut¬ 
tered.  Psa.  lxxx.  18.  Quicken  us,  and  we  will  call  upon  thy  name. 
See  Psa.  x.  17;  Zech.  xii.  10. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


295 


Q.  183.  For  whom  are  we  to  pray  f 

A.  We  are  to  pray  for  the  whole  Church  of  Christ  upon 
earth  ;  s  for  magistrates 1 * * * *  and  ministers ;  u  for  ourselves, w  our 
brethren,*  yea,  our  enemies ;  V  and  for  all  sorts  of  men  liv-r 
ing,z  or  that  shall  live  hereafter ;  a  but  not  for  the  dead,&  nor 
for  those  that  are  known  to  have  sinned  the  sin  unto  death.0 


183. « Eph.  vi.  18.  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication 
in  the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  sup¬ 
plication  for  all  saints.  Psa.  xxviii.  9.  Save  thy  people,  and  bless 
thine  inheritance:  feed  them  also,  and  lift  them  up  for  ever. 

*lTim.  ii.  1,  2.  I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplications, 
prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of  thanks,  be  made  for  all  men ;  For 
kings,  and  for  all  that  are  in  authority. 

u2Thess.  iii.  1.  Finally,  brethren,  pray  for  us,  that  the  word  of  the 
Lord  may  have  free  course,  and  be  glorified,  even  as  it  is  with  you. 
Col.  iv.  3.  Withal  praying  also  for  us,  that  God  would  open  unto  us  a 
door  of  utterance,  to  speak  the  mystery  of  Christ,  for  which  I  am  also 
in  bonds. 

«’Gen.  xxxii.  11.  Deliver  me,  I  pray  thee,  from  the  hand  of  my 
brother,  from  the  hand  of  Esau :  for  I  fear  him,  lest  he  will  come  and 
smite  me,  and  the  mother  with  the  children. 

*  James  v.  16.  Pray  one  for  another,  that  ye  may  be  healed.  2  Thess. 
i.  11.  Wherefore  also  we  pray  always  for  you,  that  our  God  would 
count  you  worthy  of  this  calling,  and  fulfil  all  the  good  pleasure  of 
his  goodness,  and  the  work  of  faith  with  power. 

vMatt.  v.  44.  Pray  for  them  which  despitefully  use  you,  and  perse¬ 
cute  you. 

zlTim.  ii.  1.  I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplications, 
prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of  thanks,  be  made  for  all  men. 

« John  xvii.  20.  Neither  pray  I  for  these  alone,  but  for  them  also 
which  shall  believe  on  me  through  their  word.  See  2  Sam.  vii.  29. 

6 2  Sam.  xii.  22,  23.  And  he  said,  While  the  child  was  yet  alive,  I 
fasted  and  wept :  for  I  said.  Who  can  tell  whether  God  will  be  gracious 
to  me,  that  the  child  may  live?  But  now  he  is  dead,  wherefore 
should  I  fast?  can  I  bring  him  back  again?  I  shall  go  to  him,  but  he 
shall  not  return  to  me.  Luke  xvi.  25,  26.  But  Abraham  said,  Son, 
remember  that  thou  in  thy  lifetime  receivedst  thy  good  things,  and 
likewise  Lazarus  evil  things :  but  now  he  is  comforted,  and  thou  art 
tormented.  And  beside  all  this,  between  us  and  you  there  is  a  great 
gulf  fixed  :  so  that  they  which  would  pass  from  hence  to  you  cannot ; 
neither  can  they  pass  to  us,  that  would  come  from  thence.  Heb.  ix. 
27,  28.  And  as  it  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die,  but  after  this  the 
judgment :  So  Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of  many ;  and 
unto  them  that  look  for  him  shall  he  appear  the  second  time  without 
sin  unto  salvation. 

*  1  John  v.  16.  There  is  a  sin  unto  death :  I  do  not  say  that  he  shall 
pray  for  it. 


296 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  184.  For  what  things  are  we  to  pray  ? 

A.  We  are  to  pray  for  all  things  tending  to  the  glory  of 
God,6* *  the  welfare  of  the  Church, e  our  own /  or  others’ 
good;#  but  not  for  any  thing  that  is  unlawful.** 

Q.  185.  How  are  we  to  pray  ? 

A.  We  are  to  pray  with  an  awful  apprehension  of  the 
majesty  of  God,1’  and  deep  sense  of  our  own  unworthiness, * 
necessities,*  and  sins ; 171  with  penitent,71  thankful,0  and  en- 

184.  d  Matt.  vi.  9.  Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name. 

cPsa.  li.  18.  Do  good  in  thy  good  pleasure  unto  Zion:  build  thou 
the  walls  of  Jerusalem.  Psa.  cxxii.  6.  Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusa¬ 
lem  :  they  shall  prosper  that  love  thee. 

/Matt.  vii.  11.  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts 
unto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall  your  Father  which  is  in 
heaven  give  good  things  to  them  that  ask  him? 

s' Psa.  cxxv.  4.  Do  good,  O  Lord,  unto  those  that  be  good,  and  to 
them  that  are  upright  in  their  hearts.  See  1  Thess.  v.  23;  2  Thess.  iii. 
16 ;  1  Kings  viii.  30-53. 

*1  John  v.  14.  And  this  is  the  confidence  that  we  have  in  him,  that, 
if  we  ask  any  thing  according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us.  James  iv.  3. 
Ye  ask,  and  receive  not,  because  ye  ask  amiss,  that  ye  may  consume 
it  upon  your  lusts. 

185.  » Psa.  xxxiii.  8.  Let  all  the  earth  fear  the  Lord  :  let  all  the  in¬ 
habitants  of  the  world  stand  in  awe  of  him.  Psa.  xcv.  6.  O  come,  let 
us  worship  and  bow  down :  let  us  kneel  before  the  Lord  our  maker. 

*Gen.  xviii.  27.  And  Abraham  answered  and  said,  Behold  now,  I 
have  taken  upon  me  to  speak  unto  the  Lord,  which  avi  but  dust  and 
ashes.  Psa.  cxliv.  3.  Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  takest  knowledge 
of  him  !  or  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  makest  account  of  him  ! 

*Psa.  lxxxvi.  1.  Bow  down  thine  ear,  O  Lord,  hear  me:  for  I  am 
poor  and  needy.  Luke  xv.  17-19.  And  when  he  came  to  himself,  he 
said,  How  many  hired  servants  of  my  father’s  have  bread  enough 
and  to  spare,  and  I  perish  with  hunger!  I  will  arise  and  go  to  my 
father,  and  will  say  unto  him,  Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven, 
and  before  thee,  And  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son  :  make 
me  as  one  of  thy  hired  servants. 

«  Psa.  cxxx.  3.  If  thou,  Lord,  shouldest  mark  iniquities,  O  Lord, 
who  shall  stand?  Luke  xviii.  13.  And  the  publican,  standing  afar 
off,  would  not  lift  up  so  much  as  his  eyes  unto  heaven,  but  smote 
upon  his  breast,  saying,  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner. 

n  Psa.  li.  17.  The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit :  a  broken  and 
a  contrite  heart,  O  God,  thou  wilt  not  despise. 

°Phil.  iv.  6  In  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God.  1  Thess. 
v.  18.  In  every  thing  give  thanks:  for  this  is  the  will  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus  concerning  you. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


297 


larged  hearts  ;P  with  understanding/  faith/  sincerity/ 
fervency/  love/  and  perseverance/  waiting  upon  him/ 
with  humble  submission  to  his  wiW.V 

Q.  186.  What  rule  hath  God  given  for  our  direction  in  the 
duty  of  prayer  ? 

A.  The  whole  Word  of  God  is  of  use  to  direct  us  in  the 
duty  of  praying ;  3  but  the  special  rule  of  direction  is  that 

j»Psa.  cxix.  32.  I  will  run  the  way  of  thy  commandments,  when 
thou  shalt  enlarge  my  heart.  Isa.  lx.  5.  Then  thou  shalt  see,  and 
flow  together,  and  thine  heart  shall  fear,  and  be  enlarged ;  because 
the  abundance  of  the  sea  shall  be  converted  unto  thee,  the  forces  of 
the  Gentiles  shall  come  unto  thee.  2  Cor.  vi.  11, 13.  O  ye  Corinthians, 
our  mouth  is  open  unto  you,  our  heart  is  enlarged.— Now  for  a 
recompense  in  the  same,  (I  speak  as  unto  my  children,)  be  ye  also 
enlarged. 

? 1  Cor.  xiv.  15.  What  is  it ’then?  I  will  pray  with  the  spirit,  and  I 
will  pray  with  the  understanding  also. 

r  Heb.  x.  22.  Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart  in  full  assurance 
of  faith,  having  our  hearts  sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience,  and 
our  bodies  washed  with  pure  water.  James  i.  6.  But  let  him  ask  in 
faith,  nothing  wavering:  for  he  that  wavereth  is  like  a  wave  of  the 
sea  driven  with  the  wind  and  tossed. 

«  Heb.  x.  22.  Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart.  Psa.  cxlv.  18.  The 
Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  him,  to  all  that  call  upon 
him  in  truth.  Psa.  xvii.  1.  Hear  the  right,  O  Lord,  attend  unto  my 
cry  ;  give  ear  unto  my  prayer,  that  goetli  not  out  of  feigned  lips.  John 
iv.  24.  God  is  a  Spirit :  and  they  that  worship  him  must  worship  him 
in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

<  James  v.  16.  The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man 
availeth  much. 

u  1  Tim.  ii.  8.  I  will  therefore  that  men  pray  everywhere,  lifting  up 
holy  hands,  without  wrath  and  doubting.  Matt.  v.  23,  24.  Therefore 
if  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the  altar,  and  there  rememberest  that  thy 
brother  hath  aught  against  thee ;  Leave  there  thy  gift  before  the 
altar,  and  go  thy  way ;  first  be  reconciled  to  thy  brother,  and  then 
come  and  offer  thy  gift.  Rom.  xv.  30.  Now  I  beseech  you,  brethren, 
for  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ’s  sake,  and  for  the  love  of  the  Spirit,  that  ye 
strive  together  with  me  in  your  prayers  to  God  for  me. 

**  Eph.  vi.  18.  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in 
the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  suppli¬ 
cation  for  all  saints. 

*  Micah  vii.  7.  Therefore  I  will  look  unto  the  Lord;  I  will  wait  for 
the  God  of  my  salvation  :  my  God  will  hear  me. 

v  Matt.  xxvi.  39.  And  he  went  a  little  further,  and  fell  on  his  face, 
and  prayed,  saying,  O  my  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass 
from  me :  nevertheless,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt. 

186.  *  Psa.  cxix.  169,  170.  Let  my  cry  come  near  before  thee,  O  Lord: 


298 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


form  of  prayer  which  our  Saviour  Christ  taught  his  disci¬ 
ples,  commonly  called,  The  Lord’s  Prayer.a 

Q.  187.  How  is  the  Lord’s  Prayer  to  he  used  ? 

A.  The  Lord’s  Prayer  is  not  only  for  direction,  as  a  pat¬ 
tern  according  to  which  we  are  to  make  other  prayers ;  but 
may  be  also  used  as  a  prayer  so  that  it  be  done  with  un¬ 
derstanding,  faith,  reverence,  and  other  graces  necessary  to 
the  right  performance  of  the  duty  of  prayer/ 

Q.  188.  Of  how  many  parts  doth  the  Lord’s  Prayer  con¬ 
sist  ? 

A.  The  Lord’s  Prayer  consists  of  three  parts,  a  preface, 
petitions,  and  a  conclusion. 

Q.  189.  What  doth  the  preface  of  the  Lord’s  Prayer  teach 
us  ? 

A.  The  preface  of  the  Lord’s  Prayer  (contained  in  these 
words,  Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven)  c  teacheth  us,  when 
we  pray,  to  draw  near  to  God  with  confidence  of  his  fa¬ 
therly  goodness,  and  our  interest  therein  ;  d  with  reverence, 
and  all  other  childlike  dispositions/  heavenly  affections,/ 

give  me  understanding  according  to  thy  word.  Let  my  supplication 
come  before  thee :  deliver  me  according  to  thy  word.  2  Tim.  iii.  16, 
17.  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  profitable  for 
doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness  : 
That  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all 
good  works.  1  John  v.  14.  And  this  is  the  confidence  that  we  have 
in  him,  that,  if  we  ask  any  thing  according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us. 

a  Matt.  vi.  9-13 ;  Luke  xi.  2-4. 

187.  b  Matt.  vi.  9.  After  this  manner  therefore  pray  ye.  Luke  xi.  2. 
When  ye  pray,  say,  Our  Father,  etc. 

189.  e  Matt.  vi.  9. 

dLuke  xi.  13.  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts 
unto  your  children  ;  how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give 
the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him?  Rom.  viii.  15.  For  ye  have 
not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage  again  to  fear  ;  but  ye  have  received 
the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abba,  Father. 

« Psa.  xev.  6,  7.  O  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down  :  let  us  kneel 
before  the  Lord  our  maker.  For  he  is  our  God ;  and  we  are  the  people 
of  his  pasture,  and  the  sheep  of  his  hand.  Isa.  lxiv.  9.  Be  not  wroth 
very  sore,  O  Lord,  neither  remember  iniquity  forever:  behold,  see, 
we  beseech  thee,  we  arc  all  thy  people. 

/Psa.  cxxiii.  1.  Unto  thee  lift  I  up  mine  eyes,  O  thou  that  dwellest 
in  the  heavens.  Lam.  iii.  41.  Let  us  lift  up  our  heart  with  our  hands 
unto  God  in  t he  heavens. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


299 


and  due  apprehensions  of  his  sovereign  power,  majesty,  and 
gracious  condescension :  9  as  also  to  pray  with  and  for 
others.^ 

Q.  190.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  first  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  first  petition,  (which  is,  Hallowed  he  thy  name)* 
acknowledging  the  utter  inability  and  indisposition  that  is 
in  ourselves  and  all  men  to  honor  God  aright,*  we  pray, 
that  God  would  by  his  grace  enable  and  incline  us  and 
others  to  know,  to  acknowledge,  and  highly  to  esteem  him/ 
his  titles,771  attributes,77  ordinances,  word,0  works,  and  what- 

&  Psa.  civ.  1.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul.  O  Lord  my  God,  thou  art 
very  great ;  thou  art  clothed  with  honor  and  majesty.  Isa.  lxiii.  15. 
Look  down  from  heaven,  and  behold  from  the  habitation  of  thy  holi¬ 
ness  and  of  thy  glory :  where  is  thy  zeal  and  thy  strength,  the  sound¬ 
ing  of  thy  bowels  and  of  thy  mercies  toward  me?  are  they  re¬ 
strained?  Psa.  cxiii.  4-6.  The  Lord  is  high  above  all  nations,  and 
his  glory  above  the  heavens.  Who  is  like  unto  the  Lord  our  God, 
who  dwelleth  on  high,  Who  humbleth  himself  to  behold  the  things 
that  are  in  heaven,  and  in  the  earth ! 

AActs  xii.  5.  Peter  therefore  was  kept  in  prison:  but  prayer  was 
made  without  ceasing  of  the  church  unto  God  for  him. 

190.  *Matt.  vi.  9. 

*2  Cor.  iii.  5.  Not  that  we  are  sufficient  of  ourselves  to  think  any 
thing  as  of  ourselves;  but  our  sufficiency  is  of  God.  Psa.  li.  15.  O 
Lord,  open  thou  my  lips  ;  and  my  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy 
praise. 

1  Psa.  lxvii.  2,  3.  That  thy  way  may  be  known  upon  earth,  thy  sav¬ 
ing  health  among  all  nations.  Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God ;  let 
all  the  people  praise  thee. 

mPsa.  lxxxiii.  18.  That  men  may  know  that  thou,  whose  name  alone 
is  JEHOVAH,  art  the  Most  High  over  all  the  earth. 

nPsa.  cxlv.  6-8.  And  men  shall  speak  of  the  might  of  thy  terrb 
ble  acts :  and  I  will  declare  thy  greatness.  They  shall  abundantly 
utter  the  memory  of  thy  great  goodness,  and  shall  sing  of  thy  right¬ 
eousness.  The  Lord  is  gracious,  and  full  of  compassion ;  6low  to 
anger,  and  of  great  mercy.  Psa.  lxxxvi.  10, 15.  For  thou  art  great, 
and  doest  wondrous  things :  thou  art  God  alone.— But  thou,  O  Lord, 
art  a  God  full  of  compassion,  and  gracious,  longsuffering,  and  plente¬ 
ous  in  mercy  and  truth. 

°2  Thess.  iii.  1.  Finally,  brethren,  pray  for  us,  that  the  word  of  the 
Lord  may  have  free  course,  and  be  glorified,  even  as  it  is  with  you. 
Psa.  cvii.  32.  Let  them  exalt  him  also  in  the  congregation  of  the  peo¬ 
ple,  and  praise  him  in  the  assembly  of  the  elders.  2  Cor.  ii.  14.  Now 
thanks  be  unto  God,  which  always  causeth  us  to  triumph  in  Christ, 
and  maketh  manifest  the  savor  of  his  knowledge  by  us  in  every 
place. 


300 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


soever  he  is  pleased  to  make  himself  known  by;P  and  to 
glorify  him  in  thought,  word, Q  and  deed  :  r  that  he  would 
prevent  and  remove  atheism, s  ignorance/  idolatry, w  pro¬ 
faneness, w  and  whatsoever  is  dishonorable  to  him  ;  x  and  by 
his  overruling  providence,  direct  and  dispose  of  all  things 
to  his  own  glory. V 

Q.  191.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  second  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  second  petition,  (which  is,  Thy  kingdom  comeY 
acknowledging  ourselves  and  all  mankind  to  be  by  nature 


*>See  Psa.  viii. ;  cxlv. 

?Psa.  xix.  14.  Let  the  words  of  ray  mouth,  and  the  meditation  oi 
my  heart,  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  my  strength  and  my 
redeemer. 

r  Phil.  i.  11.  Being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  which 
are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto  the  glory  and  praise  of  God. 

*  Psa.  lxxix.  10.  Wherefore  should  the  heathen  say,  Where  is  their 
God  ?  Let  him  be  known  among  the  heathen  in  our  sight.  Psa.  lxvii. 
1-4.  God  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us ;  and  cause  his  face  to 
shine  upon  us  ;  Selah.  That  thy  way  may  be  known  upon  earth,  thy 
saving  health  among  all  nations.  Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God  ; 
let  all  the  people  praise  thee.  O  let  the  nations  be  glad  and  sing  for 
joy:  for  thou  shalt  judge  the  people  righteously,  and  govern  the 
nations  upon  earth. 

*Eph.  i.  17,  18.  That  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Father 
of  glory,  may  give  unto  you  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  revelation  in 
the  knowledge  of  him:  The  eyes  of  your  understanding  being  en¬ 
lightened  ;  that  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his  calling,  and 
what  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints. 

u  Psa.  xcvii.  7.  Confounded  be  all  they  that  serve  graven  images, 
that  boast  themselves  of  idols  :  worship  him,  all  ye  gods. 

“’Psa.  lxxiv.  18,  22.  Remember  this,  that  the  enemy  hath  re¬ 
proached,  O  Lord,  and  that  the  foolish  people  have  blasphemed  thy 
name.— Arise,  O  God,  plead  thine  own  cause  :  remember  how  the  fool¬ 
ish  man  reproacheth  thee  daily. 

z  Jer.  xiv.  21.  Do  not  abhor  vs,  for  thy  name’s  sake ;  do  not  disgrace 
the  throne  of  thy  glory  :  remember,  break  not  thy  covenant  with  us. 
2  Kings  xix.  Ifi.  Loan,  bow  down  thine  ear,  and  hear:  open,  Lord, 
-hine  eyes,  and  see  :  and  hear  the  words  of  Sennacherib,  which  hath 
sent  him  to  reproach  t lie  living  God. 

v  Isa.  lxiv.  1,  2.  Oh  that  thou  wouldest  rend  the  heavens,  that  thou 
wouldest  come  down,  that  the  mountains  might  flow  down  at  thy 
presence,  As  u'hcv  the  melting  fire  burneth,  the  fire  causeth  the 
waters  to  boil,  to  make  thy  name  known  to  thine  adversaries 
that  the  nations  may  tremble  at  thy  presence!  See  2  Chron.  xx.  0, 
10-12. 

191. « Matt.  vi.  10. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


301 


under  the  dominion  of  sin  and  Satan, a  vve  pray  that  the 
kingdom  of  sin  and  Satan  may  be  destroyed, b  the  gospel 
propagated  throughout  the  world, c  the  Jews  called, the 
fullness  of  the  Gentiles  brought  in  ; e  the  Church  furnished 
with  all  gospel-officers  and  ordinances,/  purged  from  cor¬ 
ruption,^  countenanced  and  maintained  by  the  civil  magis¬ 
trate  :h  that  the  ordinances  of  Christ  may  be  purely  dis= 
pensed,  and  made  effectual  to  the  converting  of  those  that 
are  yet  in  their  sins,  and  the  confirming,  comforting,  and 

«  Eph.  ii.  2,  3.  Wherein  in  time  past  ye  walked  according  to  the 
course  of  this  world,  according  to  the  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air, 
the  spirit  that  now  worketh  in  the  children  of  disobedience :  Among 
whom  also  we  all  had  our  conversation  in  times  past  in  the  lusts  of 
our  flesh,  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  of  the  mind ;  and  were 
by  nature  the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  others. 

^Psa.  lxviii.  1.  Let  God  arise,  let  his  enemies  be  scattered  :  let  them 
also  that  hate  him  flee  before  him.  Kev.  xii.  9.  And  the  great 
dragon  was  cast  out,  that  old  serpent,  called  the  Devil,  and  Satan, 
which  deceiveth  the  whole  world :  he  was  cast  out  into  the  earth, 
and  his  angels  were  cast  out  with  him. 

c2  Thess.  iii.  1.  Finally,  brethren,  pray  for  us,  that  the  word  of  the 
Lord  may  ha \efree  course,  and  be  glorified,  even  as  it  is  with  you. 

dRom.  x.  1.  Brethren,  my  heart’s  desire  and  prayer  to  God  for  Israel 
is,  that  they  might  be  saved. 

‘Rom.  xi.  25.  For  I  would  not,  brethren,  that  ye  should  be  ignorant 
of  this  mystery,  lest  ye  should  be  wise  in  your  own  conceits,  that  blind¬ 
ness  in  part  is  happened  to  Israel,  until  the  fullness  of  the  Gentiles 
be  come  in.  Psa.  lxvii.  1,  2.  God  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us  ; 
and  cause  his  face  to  shine  upon  us ;  Selah.  That  thy  way  may  be 
known  upon  earth,  thy  saving  health  among  all  nations. 

/Matt.  ix.  38.  Pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  will 
send  forth  laborers  into  his  harvest. 

^Eph.v.  2G,  27.  That  he  might  sanctify  and  cleanse  it  with  the 
washing  of  water  by  the  word,  That  he  might  present  it  to  himself  a 
glorious  church,  not  having  spot,  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing;  but 
ihat  it  should  be  holy  and  without  blemish.  Mai.  i.  11.  For,  from 
the  rising  of  the  sun  even  unto  the  going  down  of  the  same,  my 
name  shall  be  great  among  the  Gentiles ;  and  in  every  place  incense 
shall  be  offered  unto  my  name,  and  a  pure  offering:  for  my  name  shall 
be  great  among  the  heathen,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

hl  Tim.  ii.  1,  2.  I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplications, 
prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of  thanks,  be  made  for  all  men ;  Fox 
kings,  and  for  all  that  are  in  authority ;  that  we  may  lead  a  quiet  and 
peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and  honesty.  Isa.  xlix.  23.  And  kings 
shall  be  thy  nursing  fathers,  and  their  queens  thy  nursing  mothers: 
they  shall  bow  down  to  thee  with  their  face  toward  the  earth,  and 


302 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


building  up  of  those  that  are  already  converted:1* *  that 
Christ  would  rule  in  our  hearts  here,^  and  hasten  the  time 
of  his  second  coming,  and  our  reigning  with  him  for 
ever : 1  and  that  he  would  be  pleased  so  to  exercise  the 
kingdom  of  his  power  in  all  the  world,  as  may  best  com 
duce  to  these  ends.m 

Q.  192.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  third  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  third  petition,  (which  is,  Thy  will  be  done  in 
earth  as  it  is  in  heaven)  n  acknowledging  that  by  nature  we 
and  all  men  are  not  only  utterly  unable  and  unwilling  to 
knowT  and  do  the  will  of  God,0  but  prone  to  rebel  against 
his  \Vord,P  to  repine  and  murmur  against  his  providence, </ 
and  wholly  inclined  to  do  the  will  of  the  flesh,  and  of  the 

lick  up  the  dust  of  thy  feet;  and  thou  shalt  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord:  for  they  shall  not  be  ashamed  that  wait  for  ine. 

*2  Cor.  iv.  2.  Nor  handling  the  word  of  God  deceitfully;  but,  by 
manifestation  of  the  truth,  commending  ourselves  to  every  man’s 
conscience  in  the  sight  of  God.  Acts  xxvi.  18.  To  open  their  eyes, 
and  to  turn  them  from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan 
unto  God,  that  they  may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance 
among  them  which  are  sanctified.  2  Thess.  ii.  16,  17.  Now  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  himself  and  God,  even  our  Father,  which  hath  loved  us, 
and  hath  given  us  everlasting  consolation  and  good  hope  through 
grace,  Comfort  your  hearts,  and  stablish  you  in  every  good  word  and 
work. 

*Eph.  iii.  14,  17.  For  this  cause  I  bow  my  knees  unto  the  Father  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,— That  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  hearts  by  faith. 

*Rev.  xxii.  20.  He  which  testifieth  these  things  saith,  Surely  I 
come  quickly :  Amen.  Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesus.  2  Tim.  ii.  12.  If 
we  suffer,  we  shall  also  reign  with  him. 

m  Psa.  xlv.  3,  4.  Gird  thy  sword  upon  thy  thigh,  O  most  Mighty,  with 
thy  glory  and  thy  majesty,  And  in  thy  majesty  ride  prosperously,  be¬ 
cause  of  truth  and  meekness  and  righteousness;  and  thy  right  hand 
shall  teach  thee  terrible  things.  Isa.  lxiv.  1,  2.  Oh  that  thou  wouldest 
rend  the  heavens,  that  thou  wouldest  come  down,  that  the  mountains 
might  how  down  at  thy  presence,  As  when  the  melting  fire  burneth, 
the  fire  causeth  the  waters  to  boil,  to  make  thy  name  known  to  thine 
adversaries,  that  the  nations  may  tremble  at  thy  presence! 

192.  »  Matt.  vi.  10. 

0 1  Cor.  ii.  14.  The  natural  man  recciveth  not  the  things  of  the 
.Spirit  of  God:  for  they  are  foolishness  unto  him:  neither  can  he 
know  them ,  because  they  are  spiritually  discerned. 

p  Rom.  viii.  7.  Because  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God :  for 
it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be. 

Matt.  xx.  11,  12.  And  when  they  had  received  it,  they  murmured 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


303 


devil : r  we  pray  that  God  would  by  his  Spirit  take  away 
from  ourselves  and  others  all  blindness/  weakness/  indis¬ 
posedness, w  and  perverseness  of  heart, ^  and  by  his  grace 
make  us  able  and  willing  to  know,  do,  and  submit  to  his 
will  in  all  things, with  the  like  humility,?/  cheerfulness,2 

against  the  goodman  of  the  house,  Saying,  These  last  have  wrought 
hut  one  hour,  and  thou  hast  made  them  equal  unto  us,  which  have 
borne  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day.  Psa.  lxxiii.  3.  I  was  envious 
at  the  foolish,  when  I  saw  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked. 

r  Eph.  ii.  2,  3.  Wherein  in  time  past  ye  walked  according  to  the 
course  of  this  world,  according  to  the  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air, 
the  spirit  that  now  worketli  in  the  children  of  disobedience :  Among 
whom  also  we  all  had  our  conversation  in  times  past  in  the  lusts  of 
our  flesh,  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  of  the  mind ;  and  were 
by  nature  the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  others. 

«Eph.  i.  17, 18.  That  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Father 
of  glory,  may  give  unto  you  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  revelation  in  the 
knowledge  of  him :  The  eyes  of  your  understanding  being  enlight¬ 
ened  ;  that  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope  of  his  calling,  and  what 
the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints. 

t  Eph.  iii.  16.  That  he  would  grant  you,  according  to  the  riches  of  his 
glory,  to  be  strengthened  with  might  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner  man. 

u  Matt.  xxvi.  40,  41.  And  he  cometh  unto  the  disciples,  and  findeth 
them  asleep,  and  saith  unto  Peter,  What,  could  ye  not  watch  with  me 
one  hour?  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation:  the 
spirit  indeed  is  willing,  but  the  flesh  is  weak.  Rom.  vii.  24,  25.  O 
wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this 
death?  I  thank  God  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  So  then  with 
the  mind  I  myself  serve  the  law  of  God  :  but  with  the  flesh  the  law 
of  sin. 

w  Ezek.  xi.  19.  And  I  will  take  the  stony  heart  out  of  their  flesh, 
and  will  give  them  a  heart  of  flesh.  Jer.  xxxi.  18.  Thou  hast  chas¬ 
tised  me,  and  I  was  chastised,  as  a  bullock  unaccustomed  to  the  yoke: 
turn  thou  me,  and  I  shall  be  turned  ;  for  thou  art  the  Lord  my  God. 

x  Psa.  cxix.  35.  Make  me  to  go  in  the  path  of  thy  commandments  ; 
for  therein  do  I  delight.  1  Sam.  iii.  18.  And  Samuel  told  him  every 
whit,  and  hid  nothing  from  him.  And  he  said,  It  is  the  Lord:  let 
him  do  what  seemeth  him  good.  Acts  xxi.  14.  And  when  he  would 
not  be  persuaded,  we  ceased,  saying,  The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done. 

yPsa.  cxxiii.  2.  Behold,  as  the  eyes  of  servants  look  unto  the  hand 
of  their  masters,  and  as  the  eyes  of  a  maiden  unto  the  hand  of  her 
mistress  ;  so  our  eyes  wait  upon  the  Lord  our  God,  until  that  he  have 
mercy  upon  us.  Micah  vi.  8.  He  hath  showed  thee.  O  man,  what  is 
good;  and  what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and 
to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God? 

*  Psa.  c.  2.  Serve  the  Lord  with  gladness  :  come  before  his  presence 
with  singing. 


304 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


faithfulness,®  diligence,' b  zeal,c  sincerity; d  and  constancy,* 
as  the  angels  do  in  heaven./ 

Q.  193.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fourth  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  fourth  petition,  (which  is,  Give  us  this  day  our 
daily  bread )9  acknowledging  that  in  Adam ,  and  by  our  own 
sin,  we  have  forfeited  our  right  to  all  the  outward  bless¬ 
ings  of  this  life,  and  deserve  to  be  wholly  deprived  of 
them  by  God,  and  to  have  them  cursed  to  us  in  the  use 
of  them  ;  h  and  that  neither  they  of  themselves  are  able  to 
sustain  us/  nor  we  to  merit, or  bv  our  own  industry  to 

«Isa.  xxxviii.  3.  Remember  now,  O  Lord,  I  beseech  thee,  how  I 
have  walked  before  thee  in  truth,  and  with  a  perfect  heart,  and  have 
done  that  which  is  good  in  thy  sight.  Eph.  vi.  6.  Not  with  eveservice, 
as  menpleasers  ;  but  as  the  servants  of  Christ,  doing  the  will  of  God 
from  the  heart. 

1  Psa.  cxix.  4.  Thou  hast  commanded  us  to  keep  thy  precepts 
diligently. 

cRom.  xii.  11.  Not  slothful  in  business;  fervent  in  spirit;  serving 
the  Lord. 

d2  Cor.  i.  12.  Our  rejoicing  is  this,  the  testimony  of  our  conscience, 
that  in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,  not  with  fleshly  wisdom,  buf 
by  the  grace  of  God,  we  have  had  our  conversation  in  the  world. 

ePsa.  cxix.  112.  I  have  inclined  my  heart  to  perform  thy  statutes 
always,  even  unto  the  end.  Rom.  ii.  7.  To  them  who  by  patient  con¬ 
tinuance  in  well  doing  seek  for  glory  and  honor  and  immortality, 
ecernal  life. 

/Psa.  ciii.  20-22.  Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel  in 
strength,  that  do  his  commandments,  hearkening  unto  the  voice  of 
his  word.  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts  ;  ye  ministers  of  his,  that 
do  his  pleasure.— Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul.  Dan.  vii.  10.  Thousand 
thousands  ministered  unto  him,  and  ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand 
stood  before  him. 

193.  o  Matt.  vi.  11. 

A  Gen.  iii.  17.  And  unto  Adam  he  said,  Because  thou  hast  hearkened 
unto  the  voice  of  thy  wife,  and  hast  eaten  of  the  tree,  of  which  I 
3ommanded  thee,  saying,  Thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it:  cursed  is  the 
ground  for  thy  sake  ;  in  sorrow  shalt  thou  eat  of  it  all  the  days  of  thy 
life.  Lam.  iii.  22.  It  is  of  the  Lord’s  mercies  that  we  are  not  con¬ 
sumed,  because  his  compassions  fail  not.  See  Deut.  xxviii.  15-68. 

•Deut.  viii.  3.  And  he  humbled  thee,  and  suffered  thee  to  hunger, 
and  fed  thee  with  manna,  which  thou  knewest  not,  neither  did  thy 
fathers  know;  that  he  might  make  thee  know  that  man  dotli  not  live 
by  bread  only,  but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth 
of  the  Lord  doth  man  live. 

*Gen.  xxxii.  10.  1  am  not  worthy  of  the  least  of  all  the  mercies, 

and  of  all  the  truth,  which  thou  hast  showed  unto  thy  servant. 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


305 


procure  them  ; 1  but  prone  to  desire, w  get,w  and  use  them 
unlawfully : 0  we  pray  for  ourselves  and  others,  that  both 
they  and  we,  waiting  upon  the  providence  of  God  from 
day  to  day  in  the  use  of  lawful  means,  may  of  his  free 
gift,  and  as  to  his  fatherly  wisdom  shall  seem  best,  enjoy 
a  competent  portion  of  them,P  and  have  the  same  contin¬ 
ued  and  blessed  unto  us  in  our  holy  and  comfortable  use 
of  them, Q  and  contentment  in  them  ; r  and  be  kept  from 
ail  things  that  are  contrary  to  our  temporal  support  and 
comforts 

Q.  1 94.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fifth  petition. 

A.  In  the  fifth  petition,  (which  is,  Forgive  us  our  debts ,  as 
we  forgive  our  debtors)  t  acknowledging  that  we  and  all 
others  are  guilty  both  of  original  and  actual  sin,  and 


1  Deut.  viii.  18.  But  thou  shalt  remember  the  Lord  thy  God :  for  it 
is  he  that  giveth  thee  power  to  get  wealth.  Prov.  x.  22.  The  blessing 
of  the  Lord,  it  maketh  rich,  and  he  addeth  no  sorrow  with  it. 

*»Luke  xii.  15.  Take  heed  and  beware  of  covetousness.  Jer.  vi.  13. 
For  from  the  least  of  them  even  unto  the  greatest  of  them  every  one 
is  given  to  covetousness ;  and  from  the  prophet  even  unto  the  priest 
every  one  dealeth  falsely. 

n  Hos.  xii.  7.  He  is  a  merchant,  the  balances  of  deceit  are  in  his 
hand:  he  loveth  to  oppress. 

0  James  iv.  3.  Ye  ask,  and  receive  not,  because  ye  ask  amiss,  that  ye 
may  consume  it  upon  your  lusts. 

p  Gen.  xxviii.  20,  21.  And  Jacob  vowed  a  vow,  saying,  If  God  will  be 
with  me,  and  will  keep  me  in  this  way  that  I  go,  and  will  give  me 
bread  to  eat,  and  raiment  to  put  on,  So  that  I  come  again  to  my 
father’s  house  in  peace  ;  then  shall  the  Lord  be  my  God.  Eph.  iv.  28. 
Let  him  that  stole  steal  no  more :  but  rather  let  him  labor,  working 
with  his  hands  the  thing  which  is  good,  that  he  may  have  to  give  to 
him  that  needeth.  Psa.  xc.  17.  And  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our 
God  be  upon  us  :  and  establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us; 
yea,  the  work  of  our  hands  establish  thou  it.  See  Psa.  cxliv.  12-15. 

9 1  Tim.  iv.  4,  5.  Every  creature  of  God  is  good,  and  nothing  to  be 
refused,  if  it  be  received  with  thanksgiving ;  For  it  is  sanctified  by 
the  word  of  God  and  prayer. 

rlTim.  vi.  6,8.  Godliness  with  contentment  is  great  gain— And 
having  food  and  raiment,  let  us  be  therewith  content. 

•  Prov.  xxx.  8,  9.  Remove  far  from  me  vanity  and  lies  ;  give  me 
neither  poverty  nor  riches ;  feed  me  with  food  convenient  for  me : 
Lest  I  be  full,  and  deny  thee ,  and  say,  Who  is  the  Lord?  or  lest  I  be 
poor,  and  steal,  and  take  the  name  of  my  God  in  vain. 

194.  t  Matt.  vi.  12. 

20 


306 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


thereby  become  debtors  to  the  justice  of  God;  and  that 
neither  we  nor  any  other  creature  can  make  the  least  sat¬ 
isfaction  for  that  debt:w  we  pray  for  ourselves  and  others, 
that  God  of  his  free  grace  would,  through  the  obedience 
and  satisfaction  of  Christ  apprehended  and  applied  by 
faith,  acquit  us  both  from  the  guilt  and  punishment  of 
sin,™  accept  us  in  his  Beloved, x  continue  his  favor  and 
grace  to  us, v  pardon  our  daily  failings, 2  and  fill  us  with 
peace  and  joy,  in  giving  us  daily  more  and  more  assurance 
of  forgiveness ; a  which  we  are  the  rather  emboldened  to 
ask,  and  encouraged  to  expect,  when  we  have  this  testi¬ 
mony  in  ourselves,  that  we  from  the  heart  forgive  others 
their  offences.^ 

Q.  195.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  sixth  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  sixth  petition,  (which  is,  And  lead  us  not  into 

u  Matt,  xviii.  24,  25.  And  when  he  had  begun  to  reckon,  one  was 
brought  unto  him,  which  owed  him  ten  thousand  talents.  But  foras¬ 
much  as  he  had  not  to  pay,  his  lord  commanded  him  to  be  sold,  and 
his  wife,  and  children,  and  all  that  he  had,  and  payment  to  be  made. 
Rom.  v.  19.  By  one  man’s  disobedience  many  were  made  sinners. 
Psa.  cxxx.  3.  If  thou,  Lord,  shouldest  mark  iniquities,  O  Lord,  who 
shall  stand  ?  See  Micah  vi.  6,  7 ;  Rom.  iii.  9-23. 

w  Rom.  y.  19.  By  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  right¬ 
eous.  Rom.  iii.  24,  25.  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through 
the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus  :  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be 
a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteous¬ 
ness  for  the  remission  of  sins  that  are  past,  through  the  forbearance 
of  God.  Acts  xiii.  39.  And  by  him  all  that  believe  are  justified  from 
all  things,  from  which  ye  could  not  be  justified  by  the  law  of  Moses. 

*  Eph.  i.  6.  To  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he  hath 
made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved. 

Pet.i.  2.  Grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  unto  you  through  the 
knowledge  of  God,  and  of  Jesus  our  Lord. 

*  IIos.  xiv.  2.  Take  with  you  words,  and  turn  to  the  Lord  :  say  unto 
him,  Take  away  all  iniquity,  and  receive  us  graciously.  Psa.  cxliii.  2. 
Enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servant:  for  in  thy  sight  shall  no 
man  living  be  justified. 

a  Rom.  xv.  13.  Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy  and  peace 
in  believing,  that  ye  may  abound  in  hope,  through  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  See  Rom.  v.  1,  2;  Psa.  li.  7-12. 

b  Luke  xi.  4.  And  forgive  us  our  sins ;  for  we  also  forgive  every  one 
that  is  indebted  to  us.  Matt,  xviii.  35.  So  likewise  shall  my  heavenly 
Father  do  also  unto  you,  if  ye  from  your  hearts  forgive  not  every  one 
his  brother  their  trespasses.  See  Matt.  vi.  14, 15. 


THE  L AUGER  CATECHISM. 


307 


temptation ,  but  deliver  us  from  evil)0  acknowledging  that  the 
most  wise,  righteous,  and  gracious  God,  for  divers  holy  and 
just  ends,  may  so  order  things  that  we  may  be  assaulted, 
foiled,  and  for  a  time  led  captive  by  temptations that 
Satan, e  the  world,/ and  the  flesh,  are  ready  powerfully  to 
draw  us  aside  and  ensnare  us;£  and  that  we,  even  after 
the  pardon  of  our  sins,  by  reason  of  our  corruption, 
weakness,  and  want  of  watchfulness,* 1'  are  not  only  subject 
to  be  tempted,  and  forward  to  expose  ourselves  unto 
temptations ; k  but  also  of  ourselves  unable  and  unwill¬ 
ing  to  resist  them,  to  recover  out  of  them,  and  to  im¬ 
prove  them ; 1  and  worthy  to  be  left  under  the  power  of 


195. c  Matt.  vi.  13. 

d2  Chron.  xxxii.  81.  Howbeit,  in  the  business  of  the  ambassadors  of 
the  princes  of  Babylon,  who  sent  unto  him  to  inquire  of  the  wonder 
that  was  done  in  the  land,  God  left  him,  to  try  him,  that  he  might 
know  all  that  was  in  his  heart.  Job  ii.  6.  And  the  Lord  said  unto 
Satan,  Behold,  he  is  in  thine  hand;  but  save  his  life. 

«1  Pet.  v.  8.  Be  sober,  be  vigilant;  because  your  adversary  the 
devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walketh  about,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour. 

1  Chron.  xxi.  1.  And  Satan  stood  up  against  Israel,  and  provoked 
David  to  number  Israel. 

/Luke  xxi.  34.  And  take  heed  to  yourselves,  lest  at  any  time  your 
hearts  be  overcharged  with  surfeiting,  and  drunkenness,  and  cares  of 
this  life,  and  so  that  day  come  upon  you  unawares.  Mark  iv.  19.  And 
the  cares  of  this  world,  and  the  deceitfulness  of  riches,  and  the  lusts 
of  other  things  entering  in,  choke  the  word,  and  it  becometh  un¬ 
fruitful. 

o  James  i.  14.  Every  man  is  tempted  when  he  is  drawn  away  of  his 
own  lust,  and  enticed. 

AGal.  v.  17.  For  the  flesh  lusteth  against  the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit 
against  the  flesh ;  and  these  are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other ;  so  that 
ye  cannot  do  the  things  that  ye  would.  Rom.  vii.  18.  In  me  (that  is, 
in  my  flesh,)  dwelleth  no  good  thing:  for  to  will  is  present  with  me; 
but  how  to  perform  that  which  is  good  I  find  not. 

*Matt.  xxvi.  41.  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  tempta¬ 
tion;  the  spirit  indeed  is  willing,  but  the  flesh  is  weak. 

*Eccl.  ix.  12.  Man  also  knoweth  not  his  time :  as  the  fishes  that  are 
taken  in  an  evil  net,  and  as  the  birds  that  are  caught  in  the  snare  ;  so 
are  the  sons  of  men  snared  in  an  evil  time,  when  it  falleth  suddenly 
upon  them.  1  Tim.  v.  9.  They  that  will  be  rich  fall  into  temptation 
and  a  snare,  and  into  many  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts. 

*Eph.  vi.  11, 12.  Put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God,  that  ye  may  be 
able  to  stand  against  the  wiles  of  the  devil.  For  we  wrestle  not 
against  flesh  and  blood,  but  against  principalities,  against  powers, 


308 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


them  : m  we  pray,  that  God  would  so  overrule  the  world  and 
all  in  it,71  subdue  the  flesh,0  and  restrain  Satan, P  order  all 
things, 9  bestow  and  bless  all  means  of  grace,7*  and  quicken 
us  to  watchfulness  in  the  use  of  them,  that  we  and  all  his  peo¬ 
ple  may  by  his  providence  be  kept  from  being  tempted  to 
sin  ; s  or,  if  tempted,  that  by  his  Spirit  we  may  be  powerfully 
supported  and  enabled  to  stand  in  the  hour  of  temptation  ;  t 
or,  when  fallen,  raised  again  and  recovered  out  of  it,w  and 
have  a  sanctified  use  and  improvement  thereof:  w  that  our 

against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this  world,  against  spiritual 
wickedness  in  high  places.  See  1  Chron.  xxi.  1-4;  2  Chron.  xvi.  7-10. 

m  Psa.  lxxxi.  11,  12.  But  my  people  would  not  hearken  to  my  voice ; 
and  Israel  would  none  of  me.  So  I  gave  them  up  unto  their  own 
hearts’  lust ;  and  they  walked  in  their  own  counsels. 

n  John  xvii.  15.  I  pray  not  that  thou  shouldest  take  them  out  of  the 
world,  but  that  thou  shouldest  keep  them  from  the  evil. 

°Psa.  li.  10.  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God  ;  and  renew  a  right 
spirit  within  me.  Psa.  cxix.  133.  Order  my  steps  in  thy  word  :  and 
let  not  any  iniquity  have  dominion  over  me. 

PLuke  xxii.  31.  And  the  Lord  said,  Simon,  Simon,  behold,  Satan 
hath  desired  to  have  you,  that  he  may  sift  you  as  wheat.  2  Cor.  xii.  8. 
For  this  thing  I  besought  the  Lord  thrice,  that  it  might  depart  from 
me. 

i  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good 
to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his 
purpose. 

r  Heb.  xiii.  20,  21.  Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from 
the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through 
the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  Make  you  perfect  in  every 
good  work  to  do  his  will,  working  in  you  that  which  is  well  pleasing 
in  his  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and 
ever.  Amen. 

•Matt.  xxvi.  41.  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation. 
Psa.  xix.  13.  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous  sins;  let 
them  not  have  dominion  over  me. 

<1  Cor.  x.  13.  God  is  faithful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted 
above  that  ye  are  able ;  but  will  with  the  temptation  also  make  a  way 
to  escape,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  bear  it.  See  Eph.  iii.  14-16. 

*  Psa.  li.  12.  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation ;  and  uphold 
me  with  thy  free  Spirit. 

» 1  Pet.  v.  10.  But  the  God  of  all  grace,  who  hath  called  us  unto  his 
eternal  glory  by  Christ  Jesus,  after  that  ye  have  suffered  a  while,  make 
you  perfect,  stablish,  strengthen,  settle  you.  1  Pet.  i.  6,  7.  Wherein 
ye  greatly  rejoice,  though  now  for  a  season,  if  need  be,  ye  are  in  heavi¬ 
ness  through  manifold  temptations  :  That  the  trial  of  your  faith,  being 
much  more  precious  than  of  gold  that  perisheth,  though  it  be  tried 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


309 


sanctification  and  salvation  may  be  perfected, ^  Satan  trod¬ 
den  under  our  feet, v  and  we  fully  freed  from  sin,  tempta¬ 
tion,  and  all  evil  for  ever.2 

Q.  196.  What  doth  the  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer 
teach  us? 

A.  The  conclusion  of  the  Lord’s  Prayer,  (which  is,  For 
thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power ,  and  the  glory ,  for  ever . 
Amen.) a  teacheth  us  to  enforce  our  petitions  with  argu¬ 
ments, &  which  are  to  be  taken,  not  from  any  worthiness  in 
ourselves,  or  in  any  other  creature,  but  from  God :  c  and 
with  our  prayers  to  join  praises, ascribing  to  God  alone 

with  fire,  might  be  found  unto  praise  and  honor  and  glory  at  the 
appearing  of  Jesus  Christ. 

*  1  Thess.  iii.  13.  To  the  end  he  may  stablish  your  hearts  unblam¬ 
able  in  holiness  before  God,  even  our  Father,  at  the  coming  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  with  all  his  saints. 

yRom.  xvi.  20.  And  the  God  of  peace  shall  bruise  Satan  under  your 
feet  shortly. 

Z1  Thess.  v.  23.  And  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly; 
and  1  pray  God  your  whole  spirit  and  soul  and  body  be  preserved 
blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

196.  a  Matt.  vi.  13. 

b  Job  xxiii.  3,  4.  O  that  I  knew  where  I  might  find  him!  that  I 
might  come  even  to  his  seat !  I  would  order  my  cause  before  him, 
and  fill  my  mouth  with  arguments.  Jer.  xiv.  20,  21.  We  acknowTedge, 
O  Lord,  our  wickedness,  and  the  iniquity  of  our  fathers :  for  we  have 
sinned  against  thee.  Do  not  abhor  us,  for  thy  name’s  sake ;  do  not 
disgrace  the  throne  of  thy  glory :  remember,  break  not  thy  covenant 
with  us. 

«Dan.  ix.  4,  7-9, 16, 19.  And  I  prayed  unto  the  Lord  my  God,  and 
made  my  confession,  and  said,  O  Lord,  the  great  and  dreadful  God, 
keeping  the  covenant  and  mercy  to  them  that  love  him,  and  to  them 
that  keep  his  commandments  O  Lord,  righteousness  belongelh  unto 
thee;  but  unto  us  confusion  of  faces,  as  at  this  day ;— O  Lord,  to  us 
belongeth  confusion  of  face,  to  our  kings,  to  our  princes,  and  to  our 
fathers,  because  wre  have  sinned  against  thee.  To  the  Lord  our  God 
belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses,  though  wTe  have  rebelled  against 
him;— O  Lord,  according  to  all  thy  righteousness,  I  beseech  thee,  let 
thine  anger  and  thy  fury  be  turned  away  from  thy  city  Jerusalem, 
thy  holy  mountain :  because  for  our  sins,  and  for  the  iniquities  of 
our  fathers,  Jerusalem  and  thy  people  are  become  a  reproach  to  all 
that  are  about  us.— O  Lord,  hear;  O  Lord,  forgive;  O  Lord,  hearken 
and  do ;  defer  not,  for  thine  own  sake,  O  my  God :  for  thy  city  and 
thy  people  are  called  by  thy  name. 

dPhil.  iv.  6.  In  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God. 


310 


THE  LARGER  CATECHISM. 


eternal  sovereignty,  omnipotency,  and  glorious  excel¬ 
lency;6  in  regard  whereof,  as  he  is  able  and  willing  to 
help  us,/ so  we  by  faith  are  emboldened  to  plead  with  him 
that  he  would, 9  and  quietly  to  rely  upon  him  that  he  will, 
fulfill  our  requests.7* *  And  to  testify  our  desires  and  assur¬ 
ance,  we  say,  Amen } 


el  Chron.  xxix.  10-13.  And  David  said,  Blessed  be  thou,  Lord  God 
of  Israel  our  father,  for  ever  and  ever.  Thine,  O  Lord,  is  the  great¬ 
ness,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  and  the  victory,  and  the  majesty  ; 
for  all  that  is  in  the  heaven  and  in  the  earth  is  thine;  thine  is  the 
kingdom,  O  Lord,  and  thou  art  exalted  as  head  above  all.  Both 
riches  and  honor  come  of  thee,  and  thou  reignest  over  all :  and  in  thine 
hand  is  power  and  might ;  and  in  thine  hand  it  is  to  make  great,  and 
to  give  strength  unto  all.  Now  therefore,  our  God,  we  thank  thee, 
and  praise  thy  glorious  name. 

/Eph.  iii.  20,  21.  Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abun¬ 
dantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  according  to  the  power  that 
worketh  in  us,  Unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church  by  Christ  Jesus 
throughout  all  ages,  world  without  end.  Amen.  Luke  xi.  13.  If  ye 
then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your  children ;  how 
much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them 
that  ask  him  ? 

s' Eph.  iii.  12.  In  whom  we  have  boldness  and  access  with  confi¬ 
dence  by  the  faith  of  him.  Heb.  x.  19-22.  Having  therefore,  breth¬ 
ren,  boldness  to  enter  into  the  holiest  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  By  a  new 
and  living  way,  which  he  hath  consecrated  for  us,  through  the  veil, 
that  is  to  say,  his  flesh ;  And  having  a  high  priest  over  the  house  of 
God ;  Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart  in  full  assurance  of  faith, 
having  our  hearts  sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience,  and  our  bodies 
washed  with  pure  water. 

*1  John  v.  14.  And  this  is  the  confidence  that  we  have  in  him,  that, 
if  we  ask  any  thing  according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us.  Rom.  viii. 
32.  He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all, 
how  shall  he  not  with  him  also  freely  give  us  all  things  ? 

•1  Cor.  xiv.  16.  Else,  when  thou  shalt  bless  with  the  spirit,  how 
shall  he  that  occupieth  the  room  of  the  unlearned  say  Amen  at  thy 
giving  of  thanks,  seeing  he  understandeth  not  what  thou  sayest? 
Rev.  xxii.  20,  21.  He  which  testifieth  these  things  saith,  Surely  I 
come  quickly:  Amen.  Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesus.  The  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you  all.  Amen. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


[ADOPTED  1729.] 


Question.  1.  What  is  the  chief  end  of  man? 
Answer.  Man’s  chief  end  is  to  glorify  God,®  and  to 
enjoy  him  for  ever.6 

°  Rom.  xi.  36.  For  of  him.  and  through  him,  and  to  him,  are 
all  things:  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.  Amen.  1  Cor.  x.  31. 
Whether  therefore  ye  eat,  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all 
to  the  glory  of  God. 

6  Ps.  lxxiii.  25,  26.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and 
there  is  none  upon  earth  that  I  desire  beside  thee.  My  flesh  and 
my  heart  faileth  :  but  God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart,  and  my 
portion  for  ever. 

Q.  2.  What  ride  hath  God  given  to  direct  us  how  we 
mag  glorify  and  enjoy  him  ? 

A.  The  Word  of  God  which  is  contained  in  the  Scrip¬ 
tures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,®  is  the  only  rule 
to  direct  us  how  we  may  glorify  and  enjoy  him.42 

c  Luke  xxiv.  27,  44.  And  beginning  at  Moses  and  all  the 
prophets,  he  expounded  unto  them  in  all  the  scriptures  the 
things  concerning  himself.  And  he  said  unto  them,  These  are 
the  words  which  I  spake  unto  you,  while  I  was  yet  with  you, 
that  all  things  must  be  fulfilled,  which  were  written  in  the  law 
of  Moses,  and  in  the  prophets,  and  in  the  psalms,  concerning  me. 
2  Pet.  iii.  2, 15,  16.  That  ye  may  be  mindful  of  the  words  which 
were  spoken  before  by  the  holy  prophets,  and  of  the  command¬ 
ment  of  us  the  apostles  of  the  Lord  and  Saviour.  And  account 
that  the  long  suffering  of  our  Lord  is  salvation;  even  as  our 
beloved  brother  Paul  also  according  to  the  wisdom  given  unto 
him  hath  written  unto  you;  as  also  in  all  his  epistles,  speaking 
in  them  of  these  things;  in  which  are  some  things  hard  to  be 

311 


312 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


understood,  which  they  that  are  unlearned  and  unstable  wrest, 
as  they  do  also  the  other  scriptures,  unto  their  own  destruction. 

d  2  Tim.  iii.  16,  17.  All  scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of 
God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction, 
for  instruction  in  righteousness :  That  the  man  of  God  may  be 
perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works.  Luke  xvi. 
31.  And  he  said  unto  him,  If  they  hear  not  Moses  and  the 
prophets,  neither  will  they  be  persuaded,  though  one  rose  from 
the  dead.  Gal.  i.  8,  9.  But  though  we,  or  an  angel  from  heaven, 
preach  any  other  gospel  unto  you  than  that  which  we  have 
preached  unto  you,  let  him  be  accursed.  As  we  said  before,  so 
say  I  now  again,  If  any  man  preach  any  other  gospel  unto  you 
than  that  ye  have  received,  let  him  be  accursed.  John  xv.  11. 
These  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you,  that  my  joy  might  remain 
in  you,  and  that  your  joy  might  be  full. 

Q.  3.  What  do  the  Scriptures  principally  teach  ? 

A.  The  Scriptures  principally  teach,  what  man  is  to 
believe  concerning  God,e  and  what  duty  God  requires 
of  man/ 

e  Jno.  v.  39.  Search  the  scriptures;  for  in  them  ye  think  ye 
have  eternal  life  :  and  they  are  they  which  testify  of  me.  Jno. 
xx.  31.  But  these  are  written,  that  ye  might  believe  that  Jesus 
is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God ;  and  that  believing  ye  might  have 
life  through  his  name.  1  John.  i.  3,  4.  That  which  we  have 
seen  and  heard  declare  we  unto  you,  that  ye  also  may  have  fel¬ 
lowship  with  us:  and  truly  our  fellowship  is  with  the  Father, 
and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  And  these  things  write  we  unto 
you,  that  your  joy  may  be  full. 

/Bom.  xv.  4.  For  whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime 
were  written  for  our  learning,  that  we  through  patience  and 
comfort  of  the  scriptures  might  have  hope.  1  Cor.  x.  11.  Now 
all  these  things  happened  unto  them  for  ensamples:  and  they 
are  written  for  our  admonition,  upon  whom  the  ends  of  the 
world  are  come. 

Q.  4.  What  is  GOD? 

A.  God  is  a  Spirit/  infinite,  eternal,  and  unchange¬ 
able,  in  his  being/  wisdom,*  power,*  holiness/  justice, 
goodness,  and  truth.”1 

9  Jno.  iv.  24.  God  is  a  Spirit :  and  they  that  worship  him  must 
worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

h  Ex.  iii.  14.  And  God  said  unto  Moses,  I  AM  THAT  I  AM : 
and  he  said,  Thus  shalt  thou  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  I 
AM  hath  sent  me  unto  you.  Ps.  cxlv.  3.  Great  is  the  Lord, 
and  greatly  to  be  praised  :  and  his  greatness  is  unsearchable. 
Ps.  xc.  2.  Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever  thou 
hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world,  even  from  everlasting  to 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


313 


everlasting,  thou  art  God.  Jas.  i.  17.  Every  good  gift  and  every 
perfect  gift  is  from  above,  and  cometh  down  from  the  Father  of 
lights,  with  whom  is  no  variableness,  neither  shadow  of  turning. 

1  Rom  xi.  33.  O  the  depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the  wisdom 
and  knowledge  of  God  !  how  unsearchable  are  his  judgments, 
and  his  ways  past  finding  out ! 

*  Gen.  xvii.  1.  The  LORD  appeared  to  Abram,  and  said  u.ito 
him,  I  am  the  Almighty  God ;  walk  before  me,  and  be  thou  per¬ 
fect. 

1  Rev.  iv.  8.  And  they  rest  not  day  and  night,  saying,  Holy, 
holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  which  was,  and  is,  and  is  to 
come. 

m  Ex.  xxxiv.  6,  7.  And  the  Lord  passed  by  before  him  and 
proclaimed,  The  Lord,  The  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious, 
long  suffering,  and  abundant  in  goodness  and  truth,  keeping 
mercy  for  thousands,  forgiving  iniquity  and  transgression  and 
sin,  and  that  will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty. 

Q.  5.  Are  there  more  Gods  than  one  ? 

A.  There  is  but  one  only,”  the  living  and  true  God.0 

n  Deut.  vi.  4.  Hear,  O  Israel :  The  Lord  our  God  is  one  Lord. 
1  Cor.  viii.  4.  We  know  that  an  idol  is  nothing  in  the  world,  and 
that  there  is  none  other  God  but  one. 

0  Jer.  x.  10.  But  the  Lord  is  the  true  God,  he  is  the  living 
God,  and  an  everlasting  King:  at  his  wrath  the  earth  shall 
tremble,  and  the  nations  shall  not  be  able  to  abide  his  indigna¬ 
tion.  John  xvii.  3.  And  this  is  life  eternal,  that  they  might 
know  thee  the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou 
hast  sent. 

Q.  6.  How  many  persons  are  there  in  the  Godhead ? 
A.  There  are  three  persons  in  the  Godhead ;  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost; p  and  these  three 
are  one  God,  the  same  in  substance,  equal  in  power  and 
glory.* 

p  Matt.  iii.  16,  17.  And  Jesus,  when  he  was  baptized,  went  up 
straightway  out  of  the  water:  and,  lo,  the  heavens  were  opened 
unto  him,  and  he  saw  the  Spirit  of  God  descending  like  a  dove, 
and  lighting  upon  him  :  And,  lo,  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying, 
This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased.  Matt, 
xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  he 
with  you  all.  Amen. 

?  John  i.  1.  In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was 
with  God,  and  the  Word  was  God.  John  v.  18.  Therefore  the 
Jews  sought  the  more  to  kill  him,  because  he  not  only  had 


314 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


broken  the  sabbath,  but  said  also  that  God  was  his  Father, 
making  himself  equal  with  God.  Acts  v.  3,  4.  But  Peter  said, 
Ananias,  why  bath  Satan  filled  thine  heart  to  lie  to  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  to  keep  back  part  of  the  price  of  the  land?  Why 
hast  thou  conceived  this  thing  in  thine  heart?  thou  hast  not 
lied  unto  men,  but  unto  God.  Heb.  i.  3.  Who  being  the  bright¬ 
ness  of  his  glory,  and  the  express  image  of  his  person. 

Q.  7.  What  are  the  decrees  of  God  ? 

A.  The  decrees  of  God  are,  his  eternal  purpose,  ac¬ 
cording  to  the  counsel  of  his  will,  whereby,  for  his  own 
glory,  he  hath  foreordained  whatsoever  comes  to  pass/ 

r  Rom.  xi.  36.  For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him  arc 
all  things:  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.  Amen.  Eph.  i.  11.  In 
whom  also  we  have  obtained  an  inheritance,  being  predestinated 
according  to  the  purpose  of  him  who  worketh  all  things  after 
the  counsel  of  his  own  will.  Acts  ii.  23.  Him,  being  delivered 
bv  the  determinate  counsel  and  foreknowledge  of  God,  ve  have 
taken,  and  by  wicked  hands  have  crucified  and  slain. 

Q.  8.  How  doth  God  execute  his  decrees? 

A.  God  executeth  his  decrees  in  the  works  of  crea¬ 
tion  and  providence/ 

*  Rev.  iv.  11.  Thou  art  wmrthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive  glory  and 
honor  and  powTer  :  for  thou  hast  created  all  things,  and  for  thy 
pleasure  they  are  and  wTere  created.  Dan.  iv.  35.  And  all  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth  are  reputed  as  nothing :  and  he  doeth 
according  to  his  will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth:  and  none  can  stay  his  hand,  or  say 
unto  him,  What  doest  thou?  Isa.  xl.  26.  Lift  up  your  eyes  on 
high,  and  behold  wiio  hath  created  these  things ,  that  bringeth 
out  their  host  by  number:  he  calleth  them  all  by  names  by  the 
greatness  of  his  might,  for  that  he  is  strong  in  powrer;  not  one 
faileth. 

Q.  0.  What  is  the  work  of  Creation  ? 

A.  The  wrork  of  creation  is,  God's  making  all  things 
of  nothing,  by  the  word  of  his  power/  in  the  space  of 
six  days,  and  all  very  good/ 

1  Gen.  i.  1.  In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and  the 
earth.  Heb.  xi.  3.  Through  faith  we  understand  that  the  worlds 
fvere  framed  by  the  word  of  God,  so  that  tilings  w  hich  are  seen 
were  not  made  of  things  which  do  appear.  Ps.  xxxiii.  9.  For  he 
spake,  and  it  w’as  done;  lie  commanded,  and  it  stood  fast. 

u  Gen.  i.  31.  And  God  saw  everything  that  he  had  made,  and, 
behold,  it  was  very  good.  And  the  evening  and  the  morning 
were  the  sixth  day. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


315 


Q.  10.  H  ow  did  God  create  man  ? 

A.  God  created  man  male  and  female,  after  his  own 
image,1"  in  knowledge,1  righteousness,  and  holiness/  with 
dominion  over  the  creatures.2 

w  Gen.  i.  27.  So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  im¬ 
age  of  God  created  he  him ;  male  and  female  created  he  them. 

z  Col.  iii.  10.  And  have  put  on  the  new  man,  which  is  renewed 
in  knowledge  after  the  image  of  him  that  created  him. 

y  Eph.  iv.  24.  And  that  ye  put  on  the  new  man,  wrhich  after 
God  is  created  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 

z  Gen.  i.  28.  And  God  said  unto  them,  .  .  .  have  dominion  over 
the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  every 
living  thing  that  moveth  upon  the  earth. 

Q.  11.  What  are  God's  works  of  providence  ? 

A.  God’s  works  of  providence  are,  his  most  holy/ 
wise,6  and  powerful  preserving  and  governing  all  his 
creatures,  and  all  their  actions.0 

a  Ps.  cxlv.  17.  The  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and 
holy  in  all  his  works. 

b  Ps.  civ.  24.  O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works !  in  wisdom 
hast  thou  made  them  all. 

c  Heb.  i.  3.  And  upholding  all  things  by  the  word  of  his  power. 
Neh.  ix.  6.  Thou,  even  thou,  art  Lord  alone ;  thou  hast  made 
heaven,  the  heaven  of  heavens,  with  all  their  host,  the  earth, 
and  all  things  that  are  therein,  the  seas,  and  all  that  is  therein, 
and  thou  preservest  them  all ;  and  the  host  of  heaven  worship¬ 
ed  thee.  Matt.  x.  30.  But  the  very  hairs  of  your  head  are  all 
numbered. 

Q.  12.  What  special  act  of  providence  did  God  exer¬ 
cise  towards  man ,  in  the  estate  wherein  he  ivas  created  ? 

A.  When  God  had  created  man,  he  entered  into  a 
covenant  of  life  with  him,  upon  condition  of  perfect 
obedience ;  forbidding  him  to  cat  of  the  tree  of  the 
knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  upon  pain  of  death/ 

d  Gal.  iii.  12.  And  the  law  is  not  of  faith  :  but,  The  man  that 
doeth  them  shall  live  in  them.  Gen.  ii.  17.  But  of  the  tree  of 
the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it :  for  in 
the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die. 

Q.  13.  Did  our  first  parents  continue  in  the  estate 
wherein  they  were  created  ? 

A.  Our  first  parents,  being  left  to  the  freedom  of 


316 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


their  own  will,  fell  from  the  estate  wherein  they  were 
created,  by  sinning  against  God.6 

e  Rom.  v.  12.  As  by  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world.  Gen. 
iii.  6.  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was  good  for  food, 
and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired  to 
make  one  wise,  she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat,  and 
gave  also  unto  her  husband  with  her :  and  he  did  eat. 

Q.  14.  What  is  sin  ? 

A.  Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  unto,  or  transgres¬ 
sion  of,  the  law  of  God/ 

/Rom.  iv.  15.  For  where  no  law  is,  there  is  no  transgression. 
Jas.  ii.  10.  For  whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet 
offend  in  one  point ,  he  is  guilty  of  all.  Jas.  iv.  17.  Therefore 
to  him  that  knoweth  to  do  good,  and  doetli  it  not,  to  him  it  is 
sin.  1  Jno.  iii.  4.  Whosoever  committeth  sin  transgresseth  also 
the  law  :  for  sin  is  the  transgression  of  the  law. 

Q.  15.  What  was  the  sin  whereby  our  first  parents  fieli 
from  the  estate  wherein  they  were  created? 

A.  The  sin  whereby  our  first  parents  fell  from  the 
estate  wherein  they  were  created,  was  their  eating  the 
forbidden  fruit/ 

‘  9  Gen.  iii.  12,  13.  And  the  man  said,  The  woman  whom  thou 
gavest  to  he  with  me,  she  gave  me  of  the  tree,  and  I  did  eat. 
And  the  Lord  God  said  unto  the  woman,  What  is  this  that 
thou  hast  done?  And  the  woman  said,  The  serpent  beguiled 
me,  and  I  did  eat. 

Q.  1  6.  Did  all  mankind  fall  in  Adam  s  first  trans¬ 
gression  ? 

A.  The  covenant  being  made  with  Adam,  not  only 
for  himself,  but  for  his  posterity,*  all  mankind,  descend¬ 
ing  from  him  by  ordinary  generation,*  sinned  in  him,  and 
fell  with  him,  in  his  first  transgression.* 

h  Gen.  i.  28.  And  God  blessed  them,  and  God  said  unto  them, 
Re  fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  replenish  theearth  and  subdue  if : 
and  have  dominion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl 
of  the  air,  and  over  every  living  thing  that  moveth  upon  the 
earth. 

*  Acts  xvii.  20.  And  hath  made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of  men 
for  to  dwell  on  all  tin*  face  of  the  earth,  and  hath  determined 
the  times  before  appointed,  and  the  hounds  of  their  habitation. 

*  1  Cor.  xv.  21,  22.  For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


317 


also  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even 
so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. 

Q.  17.  Into  what  estate  did  the  fall  bring  mankind  ? 

A.  The  fall  brought  mankind  into  an  estate  of  sin 
and  misery/ 

1  Rom.  v.  12,  13.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into 
the  world,  and  death  by  sin  :  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men, 
for  that  all  have  sinned  :  For  until  the  law  sin  was  in  the 
world  :  but  sin  is  not  imputed  when  there  is  no  law. 

Q.  18.  Wherein  consists  the  sinfulness  of  that  estate 
whereinto  man  fell? 

A.  The  sinfulness  of  that  estate  whereinto  man  fell, 
consists  in,  the  guilt  of  Adam’s  first  sin,  the  want  of 
original  righteousness,  and  the  corruption  of  his  whole 
nature,  which  is  commonly  called  original  sin  ;  together 
with  all  actual  transgressions  which  proceed  from  it.m 

m  Rom.  v.  18,  19.  Therefore  as  by  the  offence  of  one  judgment 
came  upon  all  men  to  condemnation  ;  even  so  by  the  righteous¬ 
ness  of  one  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  justification  of 
life.  For  as  by  one  man’s  disobedience  many  were  made  sin¬ 
ners,  so  by  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 
Eph.  ii.  1.  And  you  hath  tie  quickened,  who  were  dead  in  tres¬ 
passes  and  sins.  Rom.  viii.  7,  8.  Because  the  carnal  mind  is  en¬ 
mity  against  God  :  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither 
indeed  can  be. 

Q.  19.  What  is  the  misery  of  that  estate  whereinto 
man  fell? 

A.  All  mankind,  by  their  fall,  lost  communion  with 
God,n  are  under  his  wrath  and  curse,0  and  so  made 
liable  to  all  the  miseries  of  this  life,  to  death  itself,  and 
to  the  pains  of  hell  for  ever/ 

n  Gen.  iii.  8,  24.  And  they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God 
walking  in  the  garden  in  the  cool  of  the  day  :  and  Adam  and 
his  wife  hid  themselves  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  God 
amongst  the  trees  of  the  garden. — So  he  drove  out  the  man  ; 
and  he  placed  at  the  east  of  the  garden  of  Eden  Cherubinis,  and 
a  flaming  sword  which  turned  every  way  to  keep  the  way  of  the 
tree  of  life. 

0  Eph.  ii.  3.  Among  whom  also  we  all  had  our  conversation  in 
times  past  in  the  lusts  of  our  flesh,  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the 
flesh  and  of  the  mind  ;  and  were  by  nature  the  children  of 
wrath,  even  as  others. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


cs 

o 


p  Rom.  vi.  23.  For  the  wages  of  sin  is  death.  Mark  ix.  47,  48. 
And  if  thine  eye  offend  thee,  pluck  it  out:  it  is  better  for  thee 
to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God  with  one  eye,  than  having 
two  eyes  to  be  cast  into  hell  tire  :  where  the  worm  dietli  not,  and 
the  fire  is  not  quenched. 

Q.  20.  Hid  God  leave  all  mankind  to  perish  in  the 
estate  of  sin  and  misery  ? 

A.  God,  having  out  of  his  mere  good  pleasure,  from 
all  eternity,  elected  some  to  everlasting  life,9  did  enter 
into  a  covenant  of  grace,  to  deliver  them  out  of  the 
estate  of  sin  and  misery,  and  to  bring  them  into  an 
estate  of  salvation  by  a  Redeemer. r 

«  Eph.  i.  4.  According  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him  before  the 
foundation  of  the  wTorld,  that  we  should  be  holy  and  without 
blame  before  him  in  love. 

r  Tit.  i.  2.  In  hope  of  eternal  life,  wrhich  God,  that  cannot  lie, 
promised  before  the  wrorld  began.  Tit.  iii.  7.  That  being  justi¬ 
fied  by  his  grace,  wre  should  be  made  heirs  according  to  the  hope 
of  eternal  life.  John  xvii.  6.  I  have  manifested  thy  name  unto 
the  men  which  thou  gavest  me  out  of  the  wrorld  :  thine  they 
were,  and  thou  gavest  them  me ;  and  they  have  kept  thy  wTord. 

Q.  21.  Who  is  the  Redeemer  of  God's  elect? 

A.  The  only  Redeemer  of  God’s  elect  is  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,4  who,  being  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  be¬ 
came  man,*  and  so  was,  and  continueth  to  be,  God  and 
man,  in  two  distinct  natures,  and  one  person, u  for 
ever.1* 

*  1  Tim.  ii.  5.  For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  mediator  between 
God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus. 

1  John  i.  14.  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among 
us,  (and  wre  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of 
the  Father,)  full  of  grace  and  truth. 

.  u  Rom.  ix.  5.  Whose  are  the  fathers,  and  of  whom  as  concern¬ 
ing  the  flesh  Christ  came ,  who  is  over  all,  God  blessed  for  ever. 
Amen.  Col.  ii.  9.  For  in  him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of  the 
Godhead  bodily. 

w  Heb.  xiii.  8.  Jesus  Christ  the  same  yesterday,  and  to-day,  and 
for  ever. 

Q.  22.  How  did  Christy  being  the  Son  of  God ,  become 
man  ? 

A.  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  became  man,  by  taking 
to  himself  a  true  body*  and  a  reasonable  soulj  being 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


319 


conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  in  the  womb 
of  the  Virgin  Mary,  and  born  of  her  *  yet  without  sin.a 

x  Heb.  ii.  14.  Forasmuch  then  as  the  children  are  partakers  of 
flesh  and  blood,  he  also  himself  likewise  took  part  of  the  same  ; 
that  through  death  he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the  power 
of  death,  that  is  the  devil. 

y  Matt.  xxvi.  38.  Then  saith  he  unto  them,  My  soul  is  exceed¬ 
ing  sorrowful,  even  unto  death  :  tarry  ye  here,  and  watch  with 
me.  Luke  ii.  52.  And  Jesus  increased  in  wisdom  and  stature, 
and  in  favor  with  God  and  man. 

*  Luke  i.  31,  35.  And  behold,  thou  slialt  conceive  in  thy  womb, 
and  bring  forth  a  son,  and  shalt  call  his  name  JESUS.  And  the 
angel  answered  and  said  unto  her,  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come 
upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow  ttiee  : 
therefore  also  that  holy  thing  which  shall  be  born  of  thee  shall 
be  called  the  Son  of  God. 

a  Heb.  iv.  15.  For  we  have  not  an  high  priest  which  cannot  be 
touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities  ;  but  was  in  all  points 
tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin. 

Q.  23.  What  offices  doth  Christ  execute  as  our  Re¬ 
deemer  ? 

A.  Christ,  as  our  Redeemer,  executeth  the  offices  of 
a  prophet,5  of  a  priest,0  and  of  a  king,'*  both  in  his  es¬ 
tate  of  humiliation  and  exaltation. 

&  Acts  iii.  22.  For  Moses  truly  said  unto  the  fathers,  A  prophet 
shall  the  Lord  your  God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like 
unto  me  ;  him  shall  ye  hear  in  all  things  whatsoever  he  shall  say 
unto  you. 

c  Heb.  v.  5,  6.  So  also  Christ  glorified  not  himself  to  be  made 
an  high  priest;  but  he  that  said  unto  him,  Thou  art  my  Son, 
to-day  have  I  begotten  thee.  As  he  saith  also  in  another  place, 
Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever  after  the  order  of  Melchisedec. 

d  Ps.  ii.  6.  Yet  have  I  set  my  king  upon  my  holy  hill  of  Zion. 
John  i.  49.  Nathaniel  answered  and  saith  unto  him,  Rabbi,  thou 
art  the  Son  of  God ;  thou  art  the  King  of  Israel. 

Q.  24.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a  prophet  ? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  prophet,  in  reveal¬ 
ing  to  us,  by  his  Word  c  and  Spirit/  the  will  of  God  for 
our  salvation. 

e  John  i.  18.  No  man  hath  seen  God  at  anytime;  the  only 
begotten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  he  hath 
declared  him.  Heb.  i.  1,  2.  God,  who  at  sundry  times  and  in 
divers  manners  spake  in  time  past  unto  the  fathers  by  the 
prophets,  hath  in  these  last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his  Son, 


320 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


whom  he  hath  appointed  heir  of  all  things,  by  whom  also  he 
made  the  worlds. 

/John  xiv.  26.  But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost, 
whom  the  Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall  teach  you  all 
things,  and  bring  all  things  to  your  remembrance,  whatsoever  1 
have  said  unto  you.  John  xvi.  13.  Howbeit  when  he,  the  Spirit 
of  truth,  is  come,  he  will  guide  you  into  all  truth. 

Q.  25.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a  priest  ? 

A.  Christ  executetli  the  office  of  a  priest,  in  his  once 
offering  up  of  himself  a  sacrifice  to  satisfy  divine  jus¬ 
tice,9  and  reconcile  us  to  God,*  and  in  making  continual 
intercession  for  us.* 

y  Heb.  ix.  28.  So  Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of 
many.  Rom.  iii.  26.  To  declare,  I  say,  at  this  time  his  righteous¬ 
ness  :  that  he  might  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  him  which  be- 
lievetli  in  Jesus.  Rom.  x.  4.  For  Christ  is  the  end  of  the  law 
for  righteousness  to  every  one  that  believetli. 

h  Heb.  ii.  17.  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behooved  him  to  be 
made  like  unto  his  brethren,  that  he  might  be  a  merciful  and 
faithful  high  priest  in  things  pertaining  to  God,  to  make  recon¬ 
ciliation  for  the  sins  of  the  people. 

i  Heb.  vii.  25.  Wherefore  lie  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the 
uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  livetli  to 
make  intercession  for  them. 

Q.  26.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a  king  ? 

A.  Christ  executetli  the  office  of  a  king,  in  subduing 
us  to  himself,*  in  ruling  and  defending  us/  and  in  re¬ 
straining  and  conquering  all  his  and  our  enemies. 

*  Ps.  cx.  3.  Thy  people  shall  he  willing  in  the  day  of  thy 
power. 

1  Acts  ii.  36.  Therefore  let  all  the  house  of  Israel  know  assur¬ 
edly,  that  God  hath  made  that  same  Jesus,  whom  ye  have  cruci¬ 
fied,  both  Lord  and  Christ.  Acts  xviii.  9,  10.  Then  spake  the 
Lord  to  Paul  in  the  night  by  a  vision,  Be  not  afraid,  but  speak, 
and  hold  not  thy  peace:  For  I  am  with  thee,  and  no  man  shall 
set  on  thee  to  hurt  thee  :  for  I  have  much  people  in  this  city. 

Q.  27.  Wherein  did  Christ's  humiliation  consist  ? 

A.  Christ  s  humiliation  consisted  in  his  being  born, 
and  that  in  a  low  condition,”1  made  under  the  law,”  un¬ 
dergoing  the  miseries  of  this  life,0  the  wrath  of  God,p 
and  the  cursed  death  of  the  cross  ; q  in  being  buried, 
and  continuing  under  the  power  of  death  for  a  time/ 

m  Luke  ii.  7.  And  she  brought  forth  her  first-born  sou,  and 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


321 


wrapped  him  in  swaddling  clothes,  and  laid  him  in  a  manger; 
because  there  was  no  room  for  them  in  the  inn.  PhiJ.  ii.  7.  But 
made  himself  of  no  reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  of 
a  servant,  and  was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men. 

w  Gal.  iv.  4.  But  when  the  fulness  of  the  time  was  come,  God 
sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law. 

0  Isa.  liii.  3.  He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men  ;  a  man  of 
sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief :  and  we  hid  as  it  were  our 
faces  from  him  ;  he  was  despised,  and  we  esteemed  him  not. 

p  Matt,  xxvii.  46.  And  about  the  ninth  hour  Jesus  cried  with  a 
loud  voice,  saying,  Eli,  Eli,  lama  sabachthani  ?  that  is  to  say,  My 
God,  my  God,  wrhy  hast  thou  forsaken  me? 

9  Gal.  iii.  13.  Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of  the 
law,  being  made  a  curse  for  us  :  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every 
one  that  liangeth  on  a  tree.  Phil.  ii.  8.  And  being  found  in  fash¬ 
ion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient  unto 
death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross. 

r  1  Cor.  xv.  3,  4.  For  I  delivered  unto  you  first  of  all  that 
which  I  also  received,  how  that  Christ  died  for  our  sins  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  scriptures ;  And  that  he  was  buried,  and  that  he  rose 
again  the  third  day  according  to  the  scriptures. 

Q.  28.  Wherein  consisteth  Christ’s  exaltation  ? 

A.  Christ’s  exaltation  consisteth  in  his  rising  again 
from  the  dead  on  the  third  day,5  in  ascending  up  into 
heaven,  in  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father/ 
and  in  coming  to  judge  the  world  at  the  last  day.M 

8  1  Cor.  xv.  4.  He  rose  again  the  third  day. 

*  Eph.  i.  20.  He  raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  at  his 
own  right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places. 

M  Actsxvii.  31.  Because  he  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the  which 
he  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness  by  that  man  whom  he 
hath  ordained ;  whereof  he  hath  given  assurance  unto  all  men}  in 
that  he  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead. 

Q.  29.  How  are  we  made  partakers  of  the  redemption 
purchased  by  Christ  ? 

A.  We  are  made  partakers  of  the  redemption  pur¬ 
chased  by  Christ,  by  the  effectual  application  of  it  to 
us  w  by  his  Holy  Spirit/ 

w  John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he 
power  to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on 
his  name.  John  iii.  5,  6.  Jesus  answered,  Verily,  verily,  I  say 
unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit,  lie 
cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God.  That  which  is  born  of 
the  flesh  is  flesh  ;  and  that  which  is  born  of  the  Spirit  is  spirit. 

*  Tit.  iii.  5,  6.  According  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the 

21 


322 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost; 
which  he  shed  on  us  abundantly  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Sav¬ 
iour. 

Q.  30.  Hold  doth  the  Spirit  apply  to  vs  the  redemp¬ 
tion  purchased  by  Christ  ? 

A.  The  Spirit  applieth  to  us  the  redemption  pur¬ 
chased  by  Christ,  by  working  faith  in  us,  and  thereby 
uniting  us  to  Christ  in  our  effectual  calling.^ 

y  Eph.  iv.  15,  16.  Grow  up  into  him  in  all  things,  which  is  the 
head,  even  Christ :  From  whom  the  whole  body  fitly  joined  to¬ 
gether  and  compacted  by  that  which  every  joint  supplieth, 
according  to  the  effectual  working  in  the  measure  of  every  part, 
rnaketh  increase  of  the  body  unto  the  edifying  of  itself  in  love. 
Gal.  ii.  20.  I  am  crucified  with  Christ  :  nevertheless  1  live  ;  yet 
not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me  :  and  the  life  which  I  now  live  in 
the  flesh  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me, 
and  gave  himself  for  me. 

Q.  31.  What  is  effectual  calling  ? 

A.  Effectual  calling  is  the  work  of  God’s  Spirit,* 
whereby,  convincing  us  of  our  sin  and  misery,®  enlight¬ 
ening  our  minds  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ/'  and  renew¬ 
ing  our  wills/  he  doth  persuade  and  enable  us  to  embrace 
Jesus  Christ,  freely  offered  to  us  in  the  gospel. d 

z  2  Thess.  ii.  13.  Because  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen 
you  to  salvation  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and  belief 
of  the  truth. 

a  Acts  ii.  37.  Now  when  they  heard  'this,  they  were  pricked  in 
their  heart,  and  said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of  the  apostles, 
Men  and  brethren,  what  shall  we  do? 

b  Acts  xx vi.  18.  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from 
darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that 
they  may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among 
them  which  are  sanctified  by  faith  that  is  in  me. 

c  Ezek.  xxx vi.  26,  27.  A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a 
new  spirit  will  I  put  within  you  :  and  I  will  take  away  the  stony 
heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and  I  will  give  you  an  heart  of  flesh. 
And  I  will  put  my  spirit  within  you,  and  cause  you  to  walk  in 
my  statutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my  judgments,  and  do  them. 
Phil.  ii.  13.  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you  both  to  will 
and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure. 

d  John  vi.  37,  44,  45.  All  that  the  Father  givetli  me  shall  come 
to  me;  and  him  that  cometh  to  me  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out. — 
No  mail  can  come  to  me,  except  the  Father  which  hath  sent  me 
draw  him :  and  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day.  It  is  written 
in  the  prophets,  And  they  shall  be  all  taught  of  God.  Every 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


323 


man  therefore  that  hath  heard,  and  hath  learned  of  the  Father, 
cometli  unto  me. 


Q.  32.  What  benefits  do  they  that  are  effectually  called 
partake  of  in  this  life  ? 

A.  They  that  are  effectually  called  do  in  this  life  par¬ 
take  of  justification,6  adoption/ sanctification,  and  the 
several  benefits  which,  in  this  life,  do  either  accompany 
or  flow  from  them.*7 


e  Rom.  viii.  30.  And  whom  he  called,  them  he  also  justified. 

?  Eph.  i.  5.  Having  predestinated  us  unto  the  adoption  of  chil¬ 
dren  by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  according  to  the  good  pleasure 
of  his  will. 

9  1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  of  God 
is  made  unto  us  wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification, 
and  redemption. 


Q.  33.  What  is  justification  ? 

A.  Justification  is  an  act  of  God’s  free  grace,  wherein 
he  pardoneth  all  our  sins,*  and  accepteth  us  as  righteous 
in  his  sight/  only  for  the  righteousness  of  Christ  im¬ 
puted  to  us,*  and  received  by  faith  alone/ 


h  Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood, 
the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace. 

*  2  Cor.  v.  21.  For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew 
no  sin  ;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him. 
Rom.  iii.  24.  Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace  through  the  re¬ 
demption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

*  Rom.  iv.  6.  Even  as  David  also  describeth  the  blessedness  of 
the  man,  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righteousness  without  works. 
Rom.  v.  18.  By  the  righteousness  of  one  the  free  gift  came  upon 
all  men  unto  justification  of  life. 

1  Gal.  ii.  16.  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  justified  by  the  works 
of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ,  even  we  have  be¬ 
lieved  in  Jesus  Christ,  that  we  might  be  justified  by  the  faith 
of  Christ,  and  not  by  the -works  of  the  law:  for  by  the  works 
of  the  law  shall  no  flesh  be  justified. 


Q.  34.  What  is  adoption  ? 

A.  Adoption  is  an  act  of  God’s  free  grace,”1  whereby 
we  are  received  into  the  number,  and  have  a  right  to 
all  the  privileges,  of  the  sons  of  God.n 

rn  1  John  iii.  1.  Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  liatfi 
bestowed  upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God. 
n  John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he 


324 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


power  to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on 
his  name.  Rom.  viii.  17.  And  if  children,  then  heirs;  heirs  of 
God,  and  joint-heirs  with  Christ. 

Q.  35.  What  is  sanctification? 

A.  Sanctification  is  the  work  of  God’s  free  grace/ 
whereby  we  are  renewed  in  the  whole  man  after  the 
ima^e  of  God,p  and  are  enabled  more  and  more  to  die 
unto  sin,  and  live  unto  righteousness.9 

0  1  Pet.  i.  2.  Elect  according  to  the  foreknowledge  of  God  the 
Father,  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  unto  obedience  and 
sprinkling  of  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ. 

p  Epli.  iv.  24.  Put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is  created 
in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 

?  Rom.  vi.  6.  Our  old  man  is  crucified  with  him,  that  the  body 
of  sin  might  be  destroyed,  that  henceforth  we  should  not  serve 
sin. 

Q.  36.  What  are  the  benefits  which  in  this  life  do 
accompany  or  flow  from  justification ,  adoption ,  and 
sanctification  ? 

A.  The  benefits  which  in  this  life  do  accompany  or 
flow  from  justification,  adoption,  and  sanctification,  are, 
assurance  of  God’s  love,  peace  of  conscience,  joy  in  the 
Holy  Ghost, r  increase  of  grace,8  and  perseverance  there¬ 
in  to  the  end/ 

r  Rom.  v.  1,  2,  5.  Therefore  being  justified  by  faith,  we  have 
peace  with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  By  whom  also 
we  have  access  by  faith  into  this  grace  wherein  we  stand,  and 
rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God.  And  hope  maketh  not 
ashamed :  because  the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts 
by  the  Holy  Ghost  which  is  given  unto  us.  Rom.  xiv.  17.  For 
the  kingdom  of  God  is  not  meat  and  drink  ;  but  righteousness, 
and  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

3  John  i.  16.  And  of  his  fulness  have  all  we  received,  and  grace 
for  grace. 

1  Phil.  i.  6.  Being  confident  of  this  very  thing,  that  he  which 
hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you  will  perform  it  until  the  day  of 
J esus  Christ.  1  Pet  .i.  5.  Who  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God  through 
faith  unto  salvation  ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  last  time. 

Q.  37.  What  benefits  do  believers  receive  from  Christ 
at  death  ? 

A.  The  souls  of  believers  are  at  their  death  made 
perfect  in  holiness,"  and  do  immediately  pass  into  glory  ;w 


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325 


and  their  bodies,  being  still  united  to  Christ, x  do  rest  in 
their  graves,  till  the  resurrection.^ 

u  Rev.  xiv.  13.  And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven  saying  unto 
me,  Write,  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from 
henceforth  :  Yea,  saitli  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their 
labors;  and  their  works  do  follow  them.  Rev.  xix.  8.  And  to 
her  was  granted  that  she  should  be  arrayed  in  fine  linen,  clean 
and  white  :  for  the  fine  linen  is  the  righteousness  of  saints. 

w  Luke  xxiii.  43.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Verily  I  say  unto 
thee,  To  day  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  paradise.  Acts  vii.  55,  59. 
But  he,  being  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  looked  up  stedfastly  into 
heaven,  and  saw  the  glory  of  God,  and  Jesus  standing  on  the 
right  hand  of  God.  And  they  stoned  Stephen,  calling  upon 
God,  and  saying,  Lord  Jesus  receive  my  spirit.  Phil.  i.  23.  For 
I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt  twm,  having  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to 
be  with  Christ ;  which  is  far  better.  2  Cor.  v.  8.  We  are  confi¬ 
dent,  I  say,  and  willing  rather  to  be  absent  from  the  body,  and 
to  be  present  with  the  Lord. 

x  1  Thess.  iv.  14.  Even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will 
God  bring  with  him. 

y  John  v.  28.  The  hour  is  coming,  in  which  all  that  are  in  the 
graves  shall  hear  his  voice. 

Q.  38.  What  benefits  do  believers  receive  from  Christ 
at  the  resurrection  ? 

A.  At  the  resurrection,  believers,  being  raised  up  in 
glory,*  shall  be  openly  acknowledged  and  acquitted  in 
the  day  of  judgment,®  and  made  perfectly  blessed  in 
the  full  enjoying  of  God  to  all  eternity.6 

z  1  Cor.  xv.  43.  It  is  sown  in  dishonor ;  it  is  raised  in  glory. 

a  Matt.  x.  32.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  confess  me  before 
men,  him  will  I  confess  also  before  my  Father  which  is  in 
heaven.  Matt.  xxv.  34.  Then  shall  the  King  say  unto  them  on 
his  right  hand,  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  king¬ 
dom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 

6  Ps.  xvi.  11.  In  thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy;  at  thy  right 
hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

Q.  39.  What  is  the  duty  which  God  requireth  of  man  ? 

A.  The  duty  which  God  requireth  of  man  is  obedi¬ 
ence  to  his  revealed  will.0 

c  Mic.  vi.  8.  He  hath  shewed  thee,  O  man,  what  is  good  ;  and 
what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to 
love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God.  Luke  x.  28. 
And  he  said  unto  him,  Thou  hast  answered  right :  this  do  and 
thou  shalt  live. 


326 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  40.  What  did  God  at  first  reveal  to  man  for  the 
rule  of  his  obedience  ? 

A.  The  rule  which  God  at  first  revealed  to  man  for 
his  obedience,  was  the  moral  law/ 

d  Rom.  ii.  14,  15.  For  when  the  Gentiles,  which  have  not  the 
law,  do  by  nature  the  things  contained  in  the  law,  these,  having 
not  the  law,  are  a  law  unto  themselves :  which  shew  the  work 
of  the  law  written  in  their  hearts,  their  conscience  also  bearing 
witness,  and  their  thoughts  the  meanwhile  accusing  or  else  ex¬ 
cusing  one  another. 

Q.  41.  Wherein  is  the  moral  law  summarily  compre¬ 
hended ?' 

A.  The  moral  law  is  summarily  comprehended  in  the 
ten  commandments.6 

e  Deut.  x.  4.  And  he  wrote  on  the  tables,  according  to  the  first 
writing,  the  ten  commandments,  which  the  Lord  spake  unto 
you  in  the  mount  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire  in  the  day  of  the 
assembly  :  and  the  Lord  gave  them  unto  me.  Matt.  xix.  17. 
If  thou  wilt  enter  into  life,  keep  the  commandments. 

Q.  42.  What  is  the  sum  of  the  ten  commandments  ? 

A.  The  sum  of  the  ten  commandments  is,  to  love  the 
Lord  our  God,  with  all  our  heart,  withall  our  soul,  with 
all  our  strength,  and  with  all  our  mind  ;  and  our  neigh¬ 
bor  as  ourselves/ 

/Matt.  xxii.  37-40.  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and 
with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment. 
And  the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as 
thyself.  On  these  two  commandments  hang  all  the  law  and  the 
prophets. 

Q.  43.  What  is  the  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  ? 

A.  The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  is  in  these 
words,  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God ,  which  have  brought  thee 
out  of  tlie  land  of  Egypt ,  out  of  the  house  of  bondage.9 

9  Ex.  xx.  2. 

Q.  44.  What  doth  the  preface  to  the  ten  commandments 
teach  us  ? 

A.  The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  teacheth 
us,  that  because  God  is  the  Lord,  and  our  God,  and 


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327 


Redeemer,  therefore  we  are  bound  to  keep  all  his  com¬ 
mandments.7' 

h  Deut.  xi.  1.  Therefore  thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  keep  his  charge,  and  his  statutes,  and  his  judgments,  and 
his  commandments,  alway.  1  Pet.  i.  17-19.  And  if  ye  call  on  the 
Father,  who  without  respect  of  persons  judgetli  according  to 
every  man’s  work,  pass  the  time  of  your  sojourning  here  in  fear : 
Forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not  redeemed  with  corrupt¬ 
ible  things,  as  silver  and  gold,  from  your  vain  conversation  re¬ 
ceived  by  tradition  from  your  fathers  ;  But  with  the  precious 
blood  of  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb  without  blemish  and  without  spot. 

Q.  45.  Which  is  the  first  commandment  ? 

A.  The  first  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  have  no 
other  gods  before  me} 

*  Ex.  xx.  3. 

Q.  46.  What  is  required  in  the  first  commandment ? 

A.  The  first  commandment  requireth  us  to  know*  and 
acknowledge  God  to  be  the  only  true  God,  and  our  God  ;  * 
and  to  worship  and  glorify  him  accordingly.”1 

k  1  Chron.  xxviii.  9.  And  thou,  Solomon  my  son,  know  thou 
the  God  of  thy  father,  and  serve  him  with  a  perfect  heart  and 
with  a  willing  mind. 

i  Deut.  xxvi.  17.  Thou  hast  avouched  the  Lord  this  day  to 
be  thy  God,  and  to  walk  in  his  ways,  and  to  keep  his  statutes, 
and  his  commandments,  and  his  judgments,  and  to  hearken  unto 
his  voice. 

m  Ps.  xcv.  6,  7.  O  come  let  us  worship  and  bow  down  :  let  us 
kneel  before  the  Lord  our  maker.  For  he  is  our  God;  and  we 
are  the  people  of  his  pasture,  and  the  sheep  of  his  hand.  Matt, 
iv.  10.  For  it  is  written,  Thou  shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve. 

Q.  47 .  11  hat  is  forbidden  in  the  first  commandment  ? 

A.  The  first  commandment  forbiddeth  the  denying, n 
or  not  worshipping  and  glorifying,  the  true  God  as 
God,0  and  our  God;7’  and  the  giving  of  that  worship 
and  glory  to  any  other,  which  is  due  to  him  alone.9 

n  Ps.  xiv.  1.  The  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart,  There  is  no  God. 

0  Rom.  i.  20,  21.  So  that  they  are  without  excuse  :  Because 
that,  when  they  knew  God,  they  glorified  him  not  as  God. 

p  Ps.  lxxxi.  11.  But  my  people  would  not  hearken  to  my  voice  ; 
and  Israel  would  none  of  me. 

i  Rom.  i.  25.  Who  changed  the  truth  of  God  into  a  lie,  and 


328 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


worshipped  and  served  the  creature  more  than  the  Creator,  who 
is  blessed  for  ever.  Amen. 

Q.  48.  What  are  we  specially  taught  by  these  ivords , 
u  before  me,”  in  the  first  commandment? 

A.  These  words,  “  before  mef  in  the  first  command¬ 
ment  teach  us,  that  God,  who  sceth  all  things,  taketh 
notice  of,  and  is  much  displeased  with,  the  sin  of  hav- 
ng  any  other  God.r 

r  Ps.  cxxxix.  1-3.  O  Lord,  thou  hast  searched  me,  and  known 
me.  Thou  knowest  my  downsitting  and  mine  uprising,  thou  un- 
derstandest  my  thought  afar  otf.  Thou  compassest  my  path  and 
my  lying  down,  and  art  acquainted  with  all  my  ways.  Deut.  xxx. 
17,  18.  But  if  thine  heart  turn  away,  so  that  thou  wilt  not  hear, 
but  shalt  be  drawn  away,  and  worship  other  gods,  aud  serve 
them  ;  I  denounce  unto  you  this  day,  that  ye  shall  surely  perish 

Q.  49.  Which  is  the  second  commandment  ? 

A.  The  second  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  make 
unto  thee  any  graven  image ,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing 
that  is  in  heaven  above ,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath ,  or 
that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth  :  thou  shalt  not  bow 
down  thyself  to  them ,  nor  serve  them  :  for  I  the  Lord 
thy  God  am  a  jealous  God.  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  ' 
fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  gen¬ 
eration  of  them  that  hate  me;  and  showing  mercy  unto 
thousands  of  them  that  love  me,  and  keep  my  command¬ 
ments .* 

8  Ex.  xx.  4-6. 

Q.  50.  What  is  required  in  the  second  commandment  ? 

A.  The  second  commandment  requireth  the  receiving, 
observing,  and  keeping  pure  and  entire,  all  such  relig¬ 
ious  worship  and  ordinances  as  God  hath  appointed  in 
his  word/ 

1  Deut.  xii.  32.  What  thing  soever  I  command  you,  observe  to 
do  it:  thou  shall  not  add  thereto,  nor  diminish  from  it.  Matt. 
xxviii.  20.  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  1 
have  commanded  you. 

Q.  51.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  second  command • 
ment  ? 

A.  The  second  commandment  forbiddeth  the  worship- 


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329 


ping  of  God  by  images,"  or  any  other  way  not  appointed 
in  his  word."’ 

u  Rom.  i.  22,  23.  Professing  themselves  to  be  wise,  they  became 
fools,  And  changed  the  glory  of  the  uncorruptible  God  into  an 
image  made  like  to  corruptible  man,  and  to  birds,  and  fourfooted 
beasts,  and  creeping  things. 

wCol.  ii.  18.  Let  no  man  beguile  you  of  your  reward  in  a  vol¬ 
untary  humility  and  worshipping  of  angels,  intruding  into  those 
things  which  he  hath  not  seen,  vainly  puffed  up  by  his  fleshly 
mind. 

Q.  52.  What  are  the  reasons  annexed  to  the  second 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  reasons  annexed  to  the  second  commandment 
are,  God’s  sovereignty  over  us,  his  propriety  in  us.x  and 
the  zeal  he  hath  to  his  own  worship.2' 

*  Ps.  xlv.  11.  For  he  is  thy  Lord  ;  and  worship  thou  him.  Ps* 
c.  3.  Know  ye  that  the  Lord  he  is  God  :  it  is  he  that  hath  made 
us,  and  not  we  ourselves  ;  we  are  his  people,  and  the  sheep  of  his 
pasture. 

y  Ex.  xxxiv.  14.  For  thou  shalt  worship  no  other  god  :  for  the 
Lord,  whose  name  is  Jealous,  is  a  jealous  God.  1  Cor.  x.  22.  Do 
we  provoke  the  Lord  to  jealousy  ?  are  we  stronger  than  he? 

A.  53.  Which  is  the  third  commandment  ? 

A.  The  third  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  take 
the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God.  in  vain  :  for  the  Lord 
will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain.2 

z  Ex.  xx.  7. 

Q.  54.  What  is  required  in  the  third  commandment  ? 

A.  The  third  commandment  requireth  the  holy  and 
reverent  use  of  God’s  names,  titles,  attributes,"  ordi¬ 
nances,5  word,0  and  works. d 

a  Ps.  xxix.  2.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto  his 
name.  Rev.  xv.  3,  4.  Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord 
God  Almighty  ;  just  and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  saints ! 
Who  shall  not  fear  thee,  O  Lord,  and  glorify  thy  name? 

b  Eccl.  v.  1.  Keep  thy  foot  when  thou  goest  to  the  house  of 
God,  and  be  more  ready  to  hear,  than  to  give  the  sacrifice  of 
fools  :  for  they  consider  not  that  they  do  evil. 

c  Ps.  cxxxviii.  2.  I  will  worship  toward  thy  holy  temple,  and 
praise  thy  name  for  thy  loving  kindness  and  for  thy  truth  :  for 
thou  hast  magnified  thy  word  above  all  thy  name. 

d  Ps.  civ.  24.  O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works  !  in  wis¬ 
dom  hast  thou  made  them  all. 


330 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  55  What  is  forbidden  in  the  third  commandment? 

A.  The  third  commandment  forbiddeth  all  profaning 
or  abusing  of  anything  whereby  God  maketh  himself 
known.6 

e  Lev.  xix.  12.  And  ye  shall  not  swear  by  my  name  falsely, 
neither  shalt  thou  profane  the  name  of  thy  God :  I  am  the  Lord. 
Matt.  v.  34,  35.  Swear  not  at  all:  neither  by  heaven  ;  for  it  is 
God’s  throne  :  Nor  by  the  earth  ;  for  it  is  his  footstool:  neither 
by  Jerusalem  ;  for  it  is  the  city  of  the  great  King. 

Q.  56.  What  is  the  reason  annexed  to  the  third  com¬ 
mandment  ? 

A.  The  reason  annexed  to  the  third  commandment  is, 
that  however  the  breakers  of  this  commandment  may 
escape  punishment  from  men,  yet  the  Lord  our  God 
will  not  suffer  them  to  escape  his  righteous  judgment/ 

f  Deut.  xxviii.  59.  Then  the  Lord  will  make  thy  plagues  won¬ 
derful,  and  the  plagues  of  thy  seed,  even  great  plagues,  aud  of 
long  continuance,  and  sore  sicknesses,  and  of  long  continuance. 

Q.  57.  Which  is  the  fourth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  fourth  commandment  is,  Remember  the  Sab¬ 
bath-day  ,  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  days  shalt  thou  labor , 
and  do  all  thy  work  :  but  the  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath 
of  the  Lord  thy  God :  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work , 
thou ,  nor  thy  son ,  nor  thy  daughter ,  thy  man-servant ,  nor 
thy  maid-servant ,  nor  thy  cattle ,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is 
within  thy  gates :  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven 
and  earth ,  the  sea ,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the 
seventh  day :  wherefore  the  LjORD  blessed  the  Sabbath- 
day ,  and  hallowed  it.9 

v  Ex.  xx.  8-11. 

Q.  58.  What  is  required  in  the  fourth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  fourth  commandment  requireth  the  keeping 
holy  to  God  such  set  times  as  he  hath  appointed  in  hi-c 
word;  expressly  one  whole  day  in  seven,  to  be  a  he  1  y 
Sabbath  to  himself/ 

h  Lev.  xix.  30.  Ye  shall  keep  my  sabbaths,  and  reverence  my 
sanctuary :  I  am  the  Lord.  Deut.  v.  12.  Keep  the  sabbath  day 
to  sanctify  it,  as  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  commanded  thee. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


331 


Q.  59.  Which  day  of  the  seven  hath  God  appointed  to 
be  the  weekly  Sabbath  ? 

A.  From  the  beginning  of  the  world  to  the  resurrec¬ 
tion  of  Christ,  God  appointed  the  seventh  day  of  the 
week  to  be  the  weekly  Sabbath  ;  *  and  the  first  day  of 
the  week,  ever  since,  to  continue  to  the  end  of  the 
world,  which  is  the  Christian  Sabbath.* 

*  Gen.  ii.  3.  And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  sanctified 
it:  because  that  in  it  he  had  rested  from  all  his  work  which  God 
created  and  made.  Ex.  xvi.  23.  And  he  said  unto  them,  This  is 
that  which  the  Lord  hath  said,  To  morrow  is  the  rest  of  the  holy 
sabbath  unto  the  Lord. 

k  Acts  xx.  7.  And  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when  the 
disciples  came  together  to  break  bread,  Paul  preached  unto  them, 
ready  to  depart  on  the  morrow.  1  Cor.  xvi.  1,  2.  Now  concern¬ 
ing  the  collection  for  the  saints,  as  I  have  given  order  to  the 
churches  of  Galatia,  even  so  do  ye.  Upon  the  first  day  of  the 
week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God  hath 
prospered  him.  Kev.  i.  10.  I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord’s 
day. 

Q.  60.  How  is  the  Sabbath  to  be  sanctified  ? 

A.  The  Sabbath  is  to  be  sanctified  by  a  holy  resting 
all  that  day,  even  from  such  worldly  employments  and 
recreations  as  are  lawful  on  other  days  ; 1  and  spending 
the  whole  time  in  the  public  and  private  exercises  of 
God’s  worship,”1  except  so  much  as  is  to  be  taken  up  in 
tfie  works  of  necessity  and  mercy .n 

1  Lev.  xxiii.  3.  Six  days  shall  work  be  doue  :  but  the  seventh 
day  is  the  sabbath  of  rest,  an  holy  convocation ;  ye  shall  do  no 
work  therein :  it  is  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  in  your  dwellings. 

m  Isa.  lviii.  13,  14.  If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  sab¬ 
bath,  from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day;  and  call  the 
sabbath  a  delight,  the  holy  of  the  Lord,  honorable;  and  shalt 
honor  him,  not  doing  thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own 
pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine  own  words :  Then  shalt  thou  delight 
thyself  in  the  Lord  ;  and  I  will  cause  thee  to  ride  upon  the  high 
places  of  the  earth,  and  feed  thee  with  the  heritage  of  Jacob  thy 
father  :  for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

n  Matt.  xii.  11,  12.  And  he  said  unto  them,  What  man  shall 
there  be  among  you,  that  shall  have  one  sheep,  and  if  it  fall 
into  a  pit  on  the  sabbath  day,  will  he  not  lay  hold  on  it,  and  lift 
it  out?  How  much  then  is  a  man  better  than  a  sheep ?  Where¬ 
fore  it  is  lawful  to  do  well  on  the  sabbath  days.  Mark  ii.  27.  And 


332 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


he  said  unto  them,  The  sabbath  was  made  for  man,  and  not  man 
for  the  sabbath. 

Q.  61.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  fourth  command¬ 
ment  ? 

A.  The  fourth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  omission, 
or  careless  performance,  of  the  duties  required,  and  the 
profaning  the  day  by  idleness,  or  doing  that  which  is  in 
tself  sinful,0  or  by  unnecessary  thoughts,  words,  or 
vorks,  about  our  worldly  employments  or  recreations/ 

0  Ezek.  xxiii.  38.  Moreover  this  have  tlrey  done  unto  me  :  they 
have  defiled  my  sanctuary  in  the  same  day,  and  have  profaned 
my  sabbaths. 

p  Jer.  xvii.  21.  Thus  saith  the  Lord;  Take  heed  to  yourselves, 
and  bear  no  burden  on  the  sabbath  day,  nor  bring  it  in  by  the 
gates  of  Jerusalem.  Luke  xxiii.  56.  And  they  returned,  and 
prepared  spices  and  ointments ;  and  rested  the  sabbath  day 
according  to  the  commandment. 

Q.  62.  What  are  the  reasons  annexed  to  the  fourth 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  reasons  annexed  to  the  fourth  commandment 
are,  God's  allowing  us  six  days  of  the  week  for  our  own 
employments,9  his  challenging  a  special  propriety  in  the 
seventh,r  his  own  example,4  and  his  blessing  the  Sab¬ 
bath-day/ 

q  Ex.  xxxi.  15,  16.  Six  days  may  work  be  done ;  but  in  the 
seventh  is  the  sabbath  of  rest,  holy  to  the  Lord  :  whosoever  do- 
eth  any  work  in  the  sabbath  day,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 
Wherefore  the  children  of  Israel  shall  keep  the  sabbath,  to  ob¬ 
serve  the  sabbath  throughout  their  generations,  for  a  perpetual 
covenant. 

r  Lev.  xxiii.  3.  Six  days  shall  work  be  done :  hut  the  seventh 
day  is  the  sabbath  of  rest,  an  holy  convocation  ;  ye  shall  do  no 
work  therein  :  it  is  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  in  all  your  dwellings. 

5  Ex.  xxxi.  17.  It  is  a  sign  between  me  and  the  children  of 
Israel  for  ever  :  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth; 
and  on  the  seventh  day  he  rested,  and  was  refreshed. 

1  Gen.  ii.  3.  And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  sanctified  it. 

Q.  63.  Which  is  the  fifth  commandment? 

A.  The  fifth  commandment  is,  Honor  thy  father  and 
iky  mother :  that  thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the  land 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  givetli  thee.u 

u  Ex.  xx.  12. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


333 


Q.  64.  What  is  required  in  the  fifth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  fifth  commandment  requireth  the  preserving 
the  honor,  and  performing  the  duties,  belonging  to  every 
one  in  their  several  places  and  relations,  as  superiors, “ 
inferiors,1  or  equalsA 

w  Lev.  xix.  32.  Thou  shalt  rise  up  before  the  hoary  head,  and 
honor  the  face  of  the  old  man,  and  fear  thy  God  :  I  am  the  Lord. 
Eph.  vi.  1,  5.  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord  :  for  this 
is  right.  Servants,  be  obedient  to  them  that  are  your  masters 
according  to  the  flesh,  with  fear  and  trembling,  in  singleness  of 
your  heart,  as  unto  Christ.  Rom.  xiii.  1.  Let  every  soul  be  sub¬ 
ject  unto  the  higher  powers.  For  there  is  no  power  but  of  God : 
the  powers  that  be  are  ordained  of  God. 

x  Eph.  vi.  9.  And,  ye  masters,  do  the  same  things  unto  them, 
forbearing  threatening :  knowing  that  your  Master  also  is  in 
heaven  ;  neither  is  there  respect  of  persons  with  him. 

y  Rom.  xii.  10.  Be  kindly  affectioned  one  to  another  with 
brotherly  love ;  in  honor  preferring  one  another. 

Q.  65.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  fifth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  fifth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  neglect- 
ing  of,  or  doing  anything  against,  the  honor  and  duty 
which  belongeth  to  every  one  in  their  several  places 
and  relations.2 

*  Rom.  xiii.  7,  8.  Render  therefore  to  all  their  dues :  tribute  to 
whom  tribute  is  due ;  custom  to  whom  custom  ;  fear  to  whom 
fear ;  honor  to  whom  honor.  Owe  no  man  any  thing,  but  to 
love  one  another :  for  he  that  loveth  another  hath  fulfilled  the 
law. 

Q.  66.  What  is  the  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth  com¬ 
mandment  ? 

A.  The  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth  commandment  is, 
a  promise  of  long  life  and  prosperity  (as  far  as  it  shall 
serve  for  God’s  glory,  and  their  own  good)  to  all  such 
as  keep  this  commandment.® 

°  Eph.  vi.  2,  3.  Honor  thy  father  and  mother;  (which  is  the 
first  commandment  with  promise;)  That  it  maybe  well  with 
thee,  and  thou  mayest  live  long  on  the  earth. 

Q.  67.  Which  is  the  sixth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  sixth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  hilly 

b  Ex.  xx.  13. 


334 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  68.  What  is  required  in  the  sixth  commandment  f 
A.  The  sixth  commandment  requireth  all  lawful  en¬ 
deavors  to  preserve  our  own  life,c  and  the  life  of  others.* 

c  Epli.  v.  29,  30.  For  no  man  ever  yet  hated  his  own  flesh  ;  but 
nourisheth  and  cherisheth  it,  even  as  the  Lord  the  church  :  For 
vve  are  members  of  his  body,  of  his  flesh,  and  of  his  bones. 

d  Ps.  lxxxii.  3,  4.  Defend  the  poor  and  fatherless:  do  justice 
to  the  afflicted  and  needy.  Deliver  the  poor  and  needy :  rid 
them  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked. 

Q.  69.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  sixth  commandment  I 

A.  The  sixth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  taking 

away  of  our  own  life,6  or  the  life  of  our  neighbor 

unjustly/ or  whatsoever  tendeth  thereunto.*' 

e  Acts  xvi.  28.  But  Paul  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Do 
thyself  no  harm  :  for  we  are  all  here. 

f  Gen.  ix.  6.  Whoso  sheddeth  man’s  blood,  by  man  shall  his 
blood  be  shed :  for  in  the  image  of  God  made  he  man. 

9  Deut.  xxiv.  6.  No  man  shall  take  the  nether  or  the  upper 
millstone  to  pledge  :  for  he  taketh  a  man’s  life  to  pledge.  Prov. 
xxiv.  11,  12.  If  thou  forbear  to  deliver  them  that  are  drawn  unto 
death,  and  those  that  are  ready  to  be  slain ;  If  thou  sayest,  Be¬ 
hold,  we  knew  it  not;  doth  not  he  that  pondereth  the  heart 
consider  it?  and  he  that  keepeth  thy  soul,  doth  not  he  know  it? 
and  shall  not  he  render  to  every  man  according  to  his  works? 
1  John  iii.  15.  Whosoever  liateth  his  brother  is  a  murderer:  and 
ye  know  that  no  murderer  hath  eternal  life  abiding  in  him. 

Q.  70.  Which  is  the  seventh  commandment  ? 

A.  The  seventh  commandment  is,  Thou  shall  not  com¬ 
mit  adultery  A 
h  Ex  xx.  14. 

Q.  71.  What  is  required  in  the  seventh  commandment? 
A.  The  seventh  commandment  requireth  the  preser 
vation  of  our  own  and  our  neighbor’s  chastity,  in  heart,* 
speech/  and  behavior/ 

*  1  Tliess.  iv.  4.  That  every  one  of  you  should  know  how  to 
possess  his  vessel  in  sanctification  and  honour.  2  Tim.  ii.  22.  Flee 
also  youthful  lusts :  but  follow  righteousness,  faith,  charity, 
peace,  with  them  that  call  on  the  Lord  out  of  a  pure  heart. 

k  Eph.  iv.  29.  Let  no  corrupt  communication  proceed  out  of 
your  mouth,  but  that  which  is  good  to  the  use  of  edifying. 

1  Eph.  v.  11,  12.  And  have  no  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful 
works  of  darkness,  but  rather  reprove  them.  For  it  is  a  shame 
even  to  speak  of  those  things  which  are  done  of  them  in  secret. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


335 


1  Pet.  iii.  2.  While  they  behold  your  chaste  conversation  coupled 
with  fear. 

Q.  72.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  seventh  command¬ 
ment  ? 

A.  The  seventh  commandment  forbiddetli  all  unchaste 
thoughts,”1  words”  and  actions.0 

tn  Matt.  v.  28.  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  whosoever  looketli  on 
a  woman  to  lust  after  her  hath  committed  adultery  with  her 
already  in  his  heart. 

n  Eph.  v.  4.  Neither  filthiness,  nor  foolish  talking,  nor  jesting, 
which  are  not  convenient. 

°  Eph.  v.  3.  But  fornication,  and  all  uncleanness,  or  covetous¬ 
ness,  let  it  not  be  once  named  among  you,  as  becometh  saints. 

Q.  73.  Which  is  the  eighth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  is,  Thou  slialt  not  steal! 

p  Ex.  xx.  15. 

Q.  74.  What  is  required  in  the  eighth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  requireth  the  lawful 
procuring  and  furthering  the  wealth  and  outward  estate 
of  ourselves  q  and  others/ 

q  Prov.  xxvii.  23.  Be  thou  diligent  to  know  the  state  of  thy 
flocks,  and  look  well  to  thy  herds. 

r  Lev.  xxv.  35.  And  if  thy  brother  be  waxen  poor,  and  fallen 
in  decay  with  thee ;  then  thou  shalt  relieve  him  :  yea,  though  he 
he  a  stranger,  or  a  sojourner  ;  that  he  may  live  with  thee.  Deut. 
xv.  10.  Thou  shalt  surely  give  him,  and  thine  heart  shall  not  be 
grieved  when  thou  givest  unto  him  :  because  that  for  this  thing 
the  Lord  thy  God  shall  bless  thee  in  all  thy  works,  and  in  all 
that  thou  puttest  thine  hand  unto. 

Q.  75.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  eighth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  forbiddetli  whatsoever 
doth,  or  may,  unjustly  hinder  our  own,*  or  our  neigh¬ 
bor’s,  wealth  or  outward  estate/ 

5  Prov.  xxviii.  19.  He  that  folio wetli  after  vain  persons  shall 
have  poverty  enough.  1  Tim.  v.  8.  But  if  any  provide  not  for 
his  own,  and  specially  for  those  of  his  own  house,  he  hath  de¬ 
nied  the  faith,  and  is  worse  than  an  infidel. 

(  Jas.  v.  4.  Behold,  the  hire  of  the  laborers  who  have  reaped 
down  your  fields,  which  is  of  you  kept  back  by  fraud,  crieth: 
and  the  cries  of  them  which  have  reaped  are  entered  into  the 
ears  of  the  Lord  of  sabaoth. 


336 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


Q.  7G.  W  Inch  is  the  ninth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  ninth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  hear 
false  iv  it  ness  against  thy  neighbor .u 

11  Ex.  xx.  1G. 

Q.  77.  What  is  required  in  the  ninth  commandment  f 

A.  The  ninth  commandment  requireth  the  maintain¬ 
ing  and  promoting  of  truth  between  man  and  man," 
and  of  our  own*  and  our  neighbor’s  good  name/  espe 
cially  in  witness-bearing.* 

w  Epli.  iv.  25.  Wherefore  putting  away  lying,  speak  every  man 
truth  with  his  neighbor  :  for  we  are  members  one  of  another. 

x  1  Pet.  iii.  16.  Having  a  good  conscience;  that,  whereas  they 
speak  evil  of  you,  as  of  evil  doers,  they  may  be  ashamed  that 
falsely  accuse  your  good  conversation  in  Christ.  Acts  xxv.  10. 
Then  said  Paul,  I  stand  at  Cesar’s  judgment  seat,  where  I  ought 
to  be  judged  :  to  the  Jews  have  I  done  no  wrong,  as  thou  very 
well  knowest. 

y  3  John  12.  Demetrius  hath  good  report  of  all  men ,  and  of  the 
truth  itself. 

z  Prov.  xiv.  5,  25.  A  faithful  witness  will  not  lie :  but  a  false 
witness  will  utter  lies.  A  true  witness  delivereth  souls;  but  a 
deceitful  witness  speaketh  lies. 

Q.  78.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  ninth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  ninth  commandment  forbiddeth  whatsover  is 
prejudicial  to  truth,®  or  injurious  to  our  own6  or  our 
neighbor’s  good  name.0 

a  Col.  iii.  9.  Lie  not  one  to  another,  seeing  that  ye  have  put 
off  the  old  man  with  his  deeds.  Ps.  xii.  3.  The  Lord  shall  cuf 
off  all  flattering  lips. 

b  2  Cor.  viii.  20,  21.  Avoiding  this,  that  no  man  should  blame 
us  in  this  abundance  which  is  administered  by  us:  Providing 
for  honest  things,  not  only  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  but  also  in 
the  sight  of  men. 

c  Ps.  xv.  3.  He  that  backbiteth  not  with  bis  tongue,  nor  doeth 
evil  to  his  neighbour,  nor  taketli  up  a  reproach  against  his  neigh 
hour. 

Q.  79.  Which  is  the  tenth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  covet 
thy  neighbor  s  house ,  thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor  s 
wife)  nor  his  man-servant ,  nor  his  maid-servant ,  nor  his 
vx ,  nor  his  ass ,  nor  anything  that  is  thy  neighbor  s.d 

d  Ex.  xx.  17. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


337 


Q.  80.  What  is  required  in  the  tenth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  requireth  full  content 
ment  with  our  own  condition,6  with  a  right  and  chari¬ 
table  frame  of  spirit  toward  our  neighbor,  and  all  that 
is  his/ 

e  Heb.  xiii.  5.  Let  your  conversation  be  without  covetousness; 
and  be  content  with  such  things  as  ye  have  :  for  lie  hath  said,  I 
will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee.  1  Tim.  vi.  6.  But  god¬ 
liness  with  contentment  is  great  gain. 

/  Lev.  xix.  18.  Thou  shalt  not  avenge,  nor  bear  any  grudge 
against  the  children  of  thy  people,  but  thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbor  as  thyself :  I  am  the  Lord.  1  Cor.  xiii.  4-6.  Charity 
sufferetli  long,  and  is  kind ;  charity  envieth  not ;  charity  vaunt* 
eth  not  itself,  is  not  pulled  up,  Doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly, 
seeketh  not  her  own,  is  not  easily  provoked,  thinketh  no  evil; 
Rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  rejoiceth  in  the  truth. 

Q.  81.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  tenth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  forbiddeth  all  discon¬ 
tentment  with  our  own  estate/  envying  or  grieving  at 
the  good  of  our  neighbor,71  and  all  inordinate  motions 
and  affections  to  anything  that  is  his/ 

s  1  Cor.  x.  10.  Neither  murmur  ye,  as  some  of  them  also  mur¬ 
mured,  and  were  destroyed  of  the  destroyer. 

h  Gal.  v.  26.  Let  us  not  be  desirous  of  vain  glory,  provoking 
one  another,  envying  one  another. 

*  Col.  iii.  5.  Mortify  .  .  .  inordinate  affections,  evil  concupis¬ 
cence,  and  covetousness,  which  is  idolatry. 

Q.  82.  Is  any  man  able  perfectly  to  keep  the  command¬ 
ments  of  God  ? 

A.  No  mere  man,  since  the  fall,  is  able,  in  this  life, 
perfectly  to  keep  the  commandments  of  God ; k  but 
doth  daily  break  them,  in  thought,  word,  and  deed/ 

k  Rom.  viii.  8.  So  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God. 

*  Rom.  iii.  9,  10.  For  we  have  before  proved  both  Jews  and 
Gentiles,  that  they  are  all  under  sin  ;  As  it  is  written,  There  is 
none  righteous,  no,  not  one.  Jas.  iii.  2.  For  in  many  things  we 
offend  all.  If  any  man  offend  not  in  word,  the  same  is  a  perfect 
man,  and  able  also  to  bridle  the  whole  body. 

Q.  83.  Are  all  transgressions  of  the  law  equally  hei¬ 
nous  ? 

A.  Some  sins  in  themselves, m  and  by  reason  of  sev- 

22 


338 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


oral  aggravations,  are  more  heinous  in  the  sight  of  God 
than  others.” 

171  Ps.  xix.  13.  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous 
sins ;  let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me. 

n  Matt.  xi.  24.  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  it  shall  be  more  tol¬ 
erable  for  the  land  of  Sodom  in  the  day  of  judgment,  than  for  thee. 
Luke  xii.  10.  And  whosoever  shall  speak  a  word  against  the  Son 
of  man,  it  shall  be  forgiven  him  :  but  unto  him  that  blasphemeth 
against  the  Holy  Ghost  it  shall  not  be  forgiven.  Heb.  x.  29.  Of 
how  much  sorer  punishment,  suppose  ye,  shall  he  be  thought 
worthy,  who  hath  trodden  under  foot  the  Son  of  God,  and  hath 
counted  the  blood  of  the  covenant,  wherewith  he  was  sanctified, 
an  unholy  thing,  and  hath  done  despite  unto  the  Spirit  of  grace  ? 

Q.  84.  What  doth  every  sin  deserve  ? 

A.  Every  sin  deserveth  God’s  wrath  and  curse,  both 
in  this  life,  and  that  which  is  to  come.0 

°  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law  are 
under  the  curse  :  for  it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that  con- 
tinueth  not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
law  to  do  them.  Jas.  ii.  10.  For  whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole 
law,  and  yet  offend  in  one  point,  he  is  guilty  of  all.  Matt.  xxv. 
41.  Then  shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on  the  left  hand,  Depart 
from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil 
and  his  angels. 

Q.  85.  What  doth  God  require  of  us,  that  we  may  es¬ 
cape  his  wrath  and  curse,  due  to  us  for  sin  ? 

A.  To  escape  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God,  due  to  us 
for  sin,  God  requireth  of  us  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  re¬ 
pentance  unto  life,*  with  the  diligent  use  of  all  the  out¬ 
ward  means  whereby  Christ  communicateth  to  us  the 
benefits  of  redemption.9 

p  Acts  xx.  21.  Testifying  both  to  the  Jews,  and  also  to  the 
Greeks,  repentance  toward  God,  and  faith  toward  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

?  2  Pet.  i.  10.  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give  diligence  tc 
make  your  calling  and  .election  sure.  Heb.  ii.  3.  How  shall  we 
escape,  if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation  ;  which  at  the  first  began 
to  be  spoken  by  the  Lord,  and  was  confirmed  unto  us  by  them 
that  heard  him.  1  Tim.  iv.  16.  Take  heed  unto  thyself,  and  unto 
the  doctrine;  continue  in  them:  for  in  doing  this  thou  shalt 
both  save  thyself,  and  them  that  hear  thee. 

Q.  8G.  What  is  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  ? 

A.  Faith  in  Jesus  Christ  is  a  saving  grace, r  whereby 


TEE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


339 


;ve  receive*  and  rest  upon  him  alone  for  salvation/  as 
he  is  offered  to  us  in  the  gospel." 

r  Acts  xvi.  31.  And  they  said,  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  thou  shalt  be  saved,  and  thy  house.  Heb.  x.  39.  But  we  are 
not  of  them  who  draw  back  unto  perdition  ;  but  of  them  that 
believe  to  the  saving  of  the  soul. 

*  Jno.  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he 
power  to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on 
liis  name. 

<  Phil.  iii.  9.  And  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  right 
eousness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith 
of  Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith. 

u  Rev.  xxii.  17.  And  whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water 
of  life  freely. 

Q.  87.  What  is  repentance  unto  life  ? 

A.  Repentance  unto  life  is  a  saving  grace,*"  whereby  a 
sinner,  out  of  a  true  sense  of  his  sin,x  and  apprehension 
of  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ/  doth,  with  grief  and 
hatred  of  his  sin,  turn  from  it  unto  God,z  with  full  pur¬ 
pose  of,  and  endeavor  after,  new  obedience.® 

w  2  Cor.  vii.  10.  For  godly  sorrow  worketh  repentance  to  sal¬ 
vation  not  to  be  repented  of;  but  the  sorrow  of  the  world  work¬ 
eth  death. 

x  Acts  ii.  37.  Now  when  they  heard  this,  they  were  pricked  in 
their  heart,  and  said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of  the  apostles, 
Men  and  brethren,  what  shall  we  do  ? 

y  Luke  i.  77-79.  To  give  knowledge  of  salvation  unto  his  peo¬ 
ple  by  the  remission  of  their  sins,  Through  the  tender  mercy  of 
our  God  ;  whereby  the  dayspring  from  on  high  hath  visited  us, 
To  give  light  to  them  that  sit  in  darkness  and  in  the  shadow  of 
death,  to  guide  our  feet  into  the  way  of  peace. 

z  Jer.  xxxi.  18,  19.  I  have  surely  heard  Ephraim  bemoaning 
himself  thus ;  Thou  hast  chastised  me,  and  I  was  chastised,  as  a 
bullock  unaccustomed  to  the  yolce :  turn  thou  me,  and  I  shall  be 
turned  ;  for  thou  art  the  Lord  my  God.  Surely  after  that  I  was 
turned,  I  repented;  and  after  that  I  was  instructed,  I  smote 
upon  my  thigh  :  I  was  ashamed,  yea,  even  confounded,  because  I 
did  bear  the  reproach  of  my  youth. 

a  Rom.  vi.  18.  Being  then  made  free  from  sin,  ye  became  the 
servants  of  righteousness. 

Q.  88.  What  are  the  outward  and  ordinary  means 
whereby  Christ  communicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  re¬ 
demption  ? 

A.  The  outward  and  ordinary  means  whereby  Christ 


340 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


communicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  redemption  are, 
his  ordinances,  especially  the  Word,  Sacraments,  and 
prayer ; 6  all  which  are  made  effectual  to  the  elect  foi 
salvation. 

b  Acts  ii.  41,  42.  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were 
baptized.  And  they  continued  stedfastly  in  the  apostles’  doc¬ 
trine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread  and  in  prayers. 

Q.  89.  How  is  the  Word  made  effectual  to  salvation  ? 

A.  The  Spirit  of  God  maketh  the  reading,  but  espe 
cially  the  preaching,  of  the  Word,  an  effectual  means  of 
convincing  and  converting  sinners,0  and  of  building 
them  up  in  holiness  and  comfort d  through  faith  unto 
salvation.6 

c  Neh.  viii.  8.  So  they  read  in  the  book  in  the  law  of  God  dis¬ 
tinctly,  and  gave  the  sense,  and  caused  them  to  understand  the 
reading.  Jas.  i.  21.  Receive  with  meekness  the  engrafted  word, 
which  is  able  to  save  your  souls. 

d  Acts  xx.  32.  I  commend  you  to  God,  and  to  the  word  of  his 
grace,  -which  is  able  to  build  you  up,  and  to  give  you  an  inherit¬ 
ance  among  all  them  which  are  sanctified.  Rom.  xv.  4.  That 
we  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  scriptures  might  have 
hope. 

e  2  Tim.  iii.  15.  From  a  child  thou  hast  known  the  holy  scrip¬ 
tures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation  through 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Q.  90.  How  is  the  Word  to  he  read  and  heard ,  that  it 
may  become  effectual  to  salvation  ? 

A.  That  the  Word  may  become  effectual  to  salvation, 
we  must  attend  thereunto  with  diligence/  preparation,17 
and  prayer  ;A  receive  it  with  faith1  and  love,*  lay  it  up  in 
our  hearts/  and  practice  it  in  our  lives.”1 

/Deut.  vi.  6,  7.  And  these  words,  which  I  command  thee  thk 
day,  shall  be  in  thine  heart :  And  thou  shalt  teach  them  dili¬ 
gently  unto  thy  children,  and  shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou 
sittest  in  thine  house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and 
when  thou  liestdown,  and  when  thou  risest  up. 

9  1  Pet.  ii.  1,  2.  Wherefore  laying  aside  all  malice,  and  all 
guile,  and  hypocrisies,  and  envies,  and  all  evil  speakings,  As 
newborn  babes,  desire  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word,  that  ye  may 
grow  thereby. 

h  Ps.  cxix.  18.  Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold  won¬ 
drous  things  out  of  thy  law. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM.  341 


i  Rom.  i  16.  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ :  for  it 
is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth. 

k  2  Thess.  ii.  10.  With  all  deceivableness  of  unrighteousness  in 
them  that  perish  ;  because  they  received  not  the  love  of  the 
truth,  that  they  might  be  saved. 

1  Ps.  cxix.  11.  Thy  word  have  I  hid  in  mine  heart,  that  I  might 
not  sin  against  thee. 

m  Jas.  i.  25.  Whoso  looketli  into  the  perfect  law  of  liberty, 
and  continueth  therein ,  he  being  not  a  forgetful  hearer,  hut  doei 
of  the  work,  this  man  shall  be  blessed  in  his  deed. 

Q.  91.  How  do  the  Sacraments  become  effectual  means 
of  salvation  ? 

A.  The  Sacraments  become  effectual  means  of  salva¬ 
tion,  not  from  any  virtue  in  them,  or  in  him  that  doth 
administer  them  ;n  but  only  by  the  blessing  of  Christ, 
and  the  working  of  his  Spirit  in  them  that  by  faith 
receive  them.0 

w  1  Pet.  iii.  21.  The  like  figure  whereunto  even  baptism  doth 
also  now  save  us  (not  the  putting  away  of  the  filth  of  the  flesh, 
but  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience  toward  God,)  by  the  resur¬ 
rection  of  Jesus  Christ.  Rom.  ii.  28,  29.  He  is  not  a  Jew,  which 
is  one  outwardly.  But  he  is  a  Jew,  which  is  one  inwardly. 

0  1  Cor.  xii.  13.  For  by  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one 
body,  whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether  we  be  bond  or  free; 
and  have  been  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit. 

Q.  92.  What  is  a  Sacrament  ? 

A.  A  Sacrament  is  a  holy  ordinance  instituted  by 
Christ ;  wherein,  by  sensible  signs,  Christ  and  the  bene¬ 
fits  of  the  new  covenant  are  represented,  sealed,  and 
applied  to  believers.^ 

p  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap¬ 
tizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.  Matt.  xxvi.  26-28.  And  as  they  were  eating, 
Jesus  took  bread,  and  blessed  it,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the 
disciples,  and  said,  Take,  eat;  this  is  my  body.  And  he  took  the 
cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all 
of  it;  For  this  is  my  blood  of  the  new  testament,  which  is  shed 
for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins.  Rom.  iv.  11.  And  he  received 
the  sign  of  circumcision,  a  seal  of  the  righteousness  of  the  faith 
which  he  had  yet  being  uncircumcised. 

Q.  93.  Which  are  the  Sacraments  of  the  New  Testa¬ 
ment  ? 


342 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


A.  The  Sacraments  of  the  New  Testament  are  Bap 
tism/  and  t lie  Lord's  Supper/ 

<2  Acts  x.  47,  43.  Can  any  man  forbid  water,  that  these  should 
not  be  baptized,  which  have  received  the  Holy  Ghost  as  well  as 
we?  And  he  commanded  them  to  be  baptized  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord. 

r  1  Cor.  xi.  23-26.  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which 
also  I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus  the  same  night  in 
which  he  was  betrayed  took  bread:  And  when  he  had  given 
thanks,  he  brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat:  this  is  my  body,  which 
js  broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  After  the 
same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying, 
This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood  :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as 
v^  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this 
bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death  till  he 
come. 

Q.  94.  What  is  Baptism  ? 

A.  Baptism  is  a  Sacrament,  wherein  the  washing  with 
water,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost/  doth  signify  and  seal  our  engraft¬ 
ing  into  Christ,  and  partaking  of  the  benefits  of  the 
covenant  of  grace/  and  our  engagement  to  be  the 
Lord’s/ 

8  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap¬ 
tizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.  Jno.  iii.  5.  Jesus  answered,  Verily,  verily,  I  say 
unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit,  he 
cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 

1  Rom.  vi.  3,  5.  Know  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  us  as  were  bap¬ 
tized  into  Jesus  Christ  were  baptized  into  his  death?  For  if  we 
have  been  planted  together  in  the  likeness  of  his  death,  we  shall 
be  also  in  the  likeness  of  his  resurrection. 

u  Gal.  iii.  27.  For  as  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized  into 
Christ  have  put  on  Christ. 

Q.  95.  To  whom  is  Baptism  to  he  administered  ? 

A.  Baptism  is  not  to  be  administered  to  any  that  are 
out  of  the  visible  Church,  till  they  profess  their  faith 
in  Christ,  and  obedience  to  him;"7  but  the  infants  of 
such  as  are  members  of  the  visible  Church,  are  to  be 
baptized.1 

w  Acts  xviii.  8.  And  Crispins,  the  chief  ruler  of  the  synagogue, 
believed  on  the  Lord  with  all  his  house  ;  and  many  of  the  Cor¬ 
inthians  hearing  believed,  and  were  baptized. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


O  \  O 

o4o 

*  Gen.  xvii.  7,  10.  And  I  will  establish  my  covenant  between 
me  and  thee  and  thy  seed  after  thee  in  their  generations  for  an 
everlasting  covenant,  to  be  a  God  unto  thee,  and  to  thy  seed 
after  thee.  This  is  my  covenant,  which  ye  shall  keep,  between 
me  and  you  and  thy  seed  after  thee  :  Every  man  child  among 
you  shall  be  circumcised.  Acts  ii.  38,  39.  Then  Peter  said  unto 
them,  Eepent  and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the 
gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  For  the  promise  is  unto  you,  and  to 
your  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off,  even  as  many  as  the 
Lord  our  God  shall  call.  1  Cor.  vii.  14.  For  the  unbelieving  hus¬ 
band  is  sanctified  by  the  wife,  and  the  unbelieving  wife  is  sanc¬ 
tified  by  the  husband :  else  were  your  children  unclean  ;  but  now 
are  they  holy. 

Q.  96.  What  is  the  Lord  s  Supper? 

A.  The  Lord  s  Supper  is  a  Sacrament,  wherein,  by 
giving  and  receiving  bread  and  wine,  according  to 
Christ’s  appointment,  his  death  is  showed  forth;2'  and 
the  worthy  receivers  are,  not  after  a  corporal  and  carnal 
manner,  but  by  faith,  made  partakers  of  his  body  and 
blood,  with  all  his  benefits,  to  their  spiritual  nourish¬ 
ment  and  growth  in  grace/ 

y  1  Cor.  xi.  23-26.  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which 
also  I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus  the  same  night  in 
which  he  was  betrayed  took  bread :  And  when  he  had  given 
thanks,  he  brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat :  this  is  my  body,  which 
is  broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  After  the 
same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying, 
This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood  :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as 
ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this 
bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death  till  he 
come. 

z  Acts  iii.  21.  Whom  the  heaven  must  receive  until  the  times 
of  restitution  of  all  things.  1  Cor.  x.  16.  The  cup  of  blessing 
which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of  Christ? 
The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  body 
of  Christ? 

Q.  97.  What  is  required  to  the  worthy  receiving  of  the 
Lord  \s  Supper  ? 

A.  It  is  required  of  them  that  would  worthily  par¬ 
take  of  the  Lord’s  Supper,  that  they  examine  themselves, 
of  their  knowledge  to  discern  the  Lord’s  body,  of  their 
faith  to  feed  upon  him,  of  their  repentance,  love,  and 


344 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


new  obedience  ;  lest  coining  unworthily,  they  eat  and 
drink  judgment  to  themselves.0 

a  1  Cor.  xi.  27,  31,  32.  Wherefore  whosoever  shall  eat  this  bread, 
and  drink  this  cup  of  the  Lord,  unworthily,  shall  be  guilty  of 
the  body  and  blood  of  the  Lord.  For  if  we  would  judge  our¬ 
selves,  we  should  not  be  judged.  But  when  we  are  judged,  we 
are  chastened  of  the  Lord,  that  we  should  not  be  condemned 
with  the  world.  Rom.  vi.  17,  18.  But  God  be  thanked,  that  ye 
were  the  servants  of  sin,  but  ye  have  obeyed  from  the  heart  that 
form  of  doctrine  which  was  delivered  you.  Being  then  made 
free  from  sin,  ye  became  the  servants  of  righteousness. 

Q.  98.  What  is  prayer  ? 

A.  Prayer  is  an  offering  up  of  our  desires  unto  God,h 
for  things  agreeable  to  his  will,0  in  the  name  of  Christ, d 
with  confession  of  our  sins,®  and  thankful  acknowledg¬ 
ment  of  his  mercies/ 

6  Ps.  x.  17.  Lord,  thou  hast  heard  the  desire  of  the  humble: 
thou  wilt  prepare  their  heart,  thou  wilt  cause  thine  ear  to  hear. 
Ps.  cxlv.  19.  He  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that  fear  him  :  he 
also  will  hear  their  cry,  and  will  save  them. 

c  1  Jno.  v.  14.  And  this  is  the  confidence  that  we  have  in  him, 
that,  if  we  ask  anything  according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us. 

d  Jno.  xvi.  23.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Whatsoever  ye 
shall  ask  the  Father  in  my  name,  he  will  give  it  you. 

e  1  Jno.  i.  9.  If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful  and  just  to 
forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness. 

/  Phil.  iv.  6.  Be  careful  for  nothing;  but  in  everything  by 
prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be 
made  known  unto  God. 

Q.  99.  What  rule  hath  God  given  for  our  direction  in 
grayer  ? 

A.  The  whole  Word  of  God  is  of  use  to  direct  us  in 
prayer ; 9  but  the  special  rule  of  direction  is  that  form 
of  prayer  which  Christ  taught  his  disciples,  commonly 
called  The  Lord's  PrayerA 

9  Rom.  viii.  26.  Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmi¬ 
ties  :  for  we  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought:  but 
the  Spirit  itself  maketh  intercession  for  us  with  groanings  which 
cannot  be  uttered.  Ps.  cxix.  170.  Let  my  supplication  come  be¬ 
fore  thee  :  deliver  me  according  to  thy  word. 

h  Matt.  vi.  9-13. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


345 


Q.  100.  What  doth  the  preface  of  the  Lord's  Prayer 

leach  us  ?  ■ 

A.  The  preface  of  the  Lord’s  Prayer,  which  is,  “  Our 
Father  which  art  in  heaven ,”  teacheth  ns  to  draw  near 
to  God  with  all  holy  reverence  and  confidence,  as  chil¬ 
dren  to  a  father,  able  and  ready  to  help  us  ; i  and  that 
we  should  pray  with  and  for  others.* 

*  Luke  xi.  13.  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good 
zifts  unto  your  children  :  how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly 
Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him?  Rom.  vi'i 
15.  Ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cr>, 
Abba,  Father. 

*  1  Tim.  ii.  1,  2.  I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  suppli¬ 
cations,  prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of  thanks,  be  made 
for  all  men  ;  For  kings,  and/or  all  that  are  in  authority. 

Q.  101.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  first  petition? 

A.  In  the  first  petition,  which  is,  “  Hallowed  be  thy 
namef  we  pray  that  God  would  enable  us,  and  others, 
to  glorify  him  in  all  that  whereby  he  maketh  himself 
known/  and  that  he  would  dispose  all  things  to  his  own 
glory  .m 

1  Ps.  lxvii.  1-3.  God  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us ;  and 
cause  his  face  to  shine  upon  us  ;  Selah.  That  thy  way  may  be 
known  upon  earth,  thy  saving  health  among  all  nations.  Let 
all  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God ;  let  all  the  people  praise  thee. 

m  Rom.  xi.  36.  For  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him,  are 
all  things  :  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.  Amen.  Rev.  iv.  11.  Thou 
art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive  glory  and  honor  and  power  :  for 
thou  hast  created  all  things,  and  for  thy  pleasure  they  are  and 
were  created. 

Q.  102.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  second  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  second  petition,  which  is,  “  Thy  kingdom 
comef  we  pray  that  Satan’s  kingdom  may  be  destroyed,'1 
ind  that  the  kingdom  of  grace  may  be  advanced,0  our¬ 
selves  and  others  brought  into  it,  and  kept  in  it/  and 
that  the  kingdom  of  glory  may  be  hastened.'2 

n  Ps.  lxviii.  1.  Let  God  arise,  let  his  enemies  be  scattered  :  let 
them  also  that  hate  him  flee  before  him.  Jno.  xii.  31.  Now  is 
the  judgment  of  this  world  :  now  shall  the  prince  of  this  world 
be  cast  out. 

0  Matt.  ix.  37,  38.  The  harvest  truly  is  plenteous,  but  the 


346 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


laborers  are  few  ;  pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that 
he  will  send  forth  laborers  into  his  harvest. 

p  2  Thess.  iii.  1.  Finally,  brethren,  pray  for  us,  that  the  wTord 
of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course,  and  be  glorified,  even  as  it  is 
with  you.  Kom.  x.  1.  Brethren,  my  heart’s  desire  and  prayer 
to  God  for  Israel  is,  that  they  might  be  saved. 

«  Rev.  xxii.  20.  Surely  I  come  quickly.  Amen.  Even  so,  come, 
Lord  Jesus. 

Q.  103.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  third  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  third  petition,  which  is,  “  Thy  will  be  done 
in  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven ,”  we  pray,  that  God,  by  his 
grace,  would  make  us  able  and  willing  to  know,  obey, 
and  submit  to  his  will  in  all  things, r  as  the  angels  do  in 
heaven.* 

r  Matt.  xxvi.  39.  Nevertheless  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt. 
Phil.  i.  9-11.  And  this  I  pray,  that  your  love  may  abound  yet 
more  and  more  in  knowledge  and  in  all  judgment;  That  ye  may 
approve  things  that  are  excellent ;  that  ye  may  be  sincere  and 
without  offence  till  the  day  of  Christ ;  Being  filled  with  the 
fruits  of  righteousness,  which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto  the  glory 
and  praise  of  God. 

*  Ps.  ciii.  20,  21.  Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel  ic 
strength,  that  do  his  commandments,  hearkening  unto  the  voice 
of  his  w’ord.  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts,  ye  ministers  of 
his,  that  do  his  pleasure. 

Q.  104.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fourth  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  fourth  petition,  which  is,  “  Give  us  this  day 
our  daily  bread ,”  we  pray,  that  of  God  s  free  gift,  we 
may  receive  a  competent  portion  of  the  good  things 
of  this  life/  and  enjoy  his  blessing  with  them.w 

1  Prov.  xxx.8,  9.  Give  me  neither  poverty  nor  riches;  feed  me 
with  food  convenient  for  me:  Lest  I  be  full,  and  deny  thee,  and 
say,  Who  is  the  Lord?  or  lest  I  be  poor,  and  steal,  and  take  the 
name  of  my  God  in  vain.  1  Tim.  vi.  6-8.  But  godliness  with 
contentment  is  great  gain.  For  we  brought  nothing  into  this 
world,  and  it  is  certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out.  And  having 
food  and  raiment  let  us  be  therewith  content. 

u  Prov.  x.  22.  The  blessing  of  the  Lord,  it  maketh  rich,  and 
he  addeth  no  sorrow  with  it. 

Q.  105.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fifth  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  fifth  petition,  which  is,  “And  forgive  ns 
our  debts ,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors ,”  we  pray,  that  God, 
for  Christ’s  sake,  would  freely  pardon  all  our  sins  \4 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


347 


which  we  are  the  rather  encouraged  to  ask,  because  by 
his  grace  we  are  enabled  from  the  heart  to  forgive 
others.2 

w  Ps.  li.  1,  2,  7.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according  to 
thy  loving  kindness :  according  unto  the  multitude  of  thy 
tender  mercies  blot  out  my  transgressions.  Wash  me  thoroughly 
from  mine  iniquity,  and  cleanse  me  from  my  sin.  Purge  me  with 
hyssop,  and  I  shall  be  clean  :  wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than 
snow. 

x  Mark  xi.  25.  And  when  ye  stand  praying,  forgive,  if  ye  have 
ought  against  any  :  that  your  Father  also  which  is  in  heaven 
may  forgive  you  your  trespasses.  Matt,  xviii.  35.  So  likewise 
shall  my  heavenly  Father  do  also  unto  you,  if  ye  from  your 
hearts  forgive  not  every  one  his  brother  their  trespasses. 

Q.  106.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  sixth  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  sixth  petition,  which  is,  uAnd  lead  us  not 
into  temptation ,  hut  deliver  us  from  evil,  we  pray,  that 
God  would  either  keep  us  from  being  tempted  to  sin/ 
or  support  and  deliver  us  when  we  are  tempted.2 

y  Matt.  xxvi.  41.  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temp 
tation.  Ps.  xix.  13.  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presump¬ 
tuous  sins;  let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me:  then  shall  I 
be  upright,  and  I  shall  be  innocent  from  the  great  transgression. 

*  Jno.  xvii.  15.  I  pray  not  that  thou  shouldst  take  them  out 
of  the  world,  but  that  thou  shouldst  keep  them  from  the  evil. 
1  Cor.  x.  13.  There  hath  no  temptation  taken  you  but  such  as  is 
common  to  man  :  but  God  is  faithful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to 
be  tempted  above  that  ye  are  able ;  but  will  with  the  tempta¬ 
tion  also  make  a  way  to  escape,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  bear  it. 

Q.  107.  What  doth  the  conclusion  of  the  Lord' s  Prayer 
teach  us  ? 

A.  The  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer,  which  is, 
il  For  thine  is  the  kingdom ,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory, 
for  ever .  Amenf  teacheth  us  to  take  our  encouragement 
in  prayer  from  God  only,®  and  in  our  prayers  to  praise 
him,  ascribing  kingdom,  power,  and  glory  to  him  \b  and 
in  testimony  of  our  desire  and  assurance  to  be  heard, 
we  say,  Amen.c 

a  Dan.  ix.  18,  19.  For  we  do  not  present  our  supplications  be¬ 
fore  thee  for  our  righteousnesses,  but  for  thy  great  mercies.  O 
Lord,  hear;  O  Lord,  forgive;  O  Lord,  hearken  and  do;  defer 


348 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


not,  for  thine  own  sake,  O  my  God  :  for  thy  city  and  thy  people 
are  called  by  thy  name. 

b  Phil.  iv.  6.  In  everything  by  prayer  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God. 
1  Chr.  xxix.  11-13.  Thine,  O  Lord,  is  the  greatness,  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory,  and  the  victory,  and  the  majesty:  for  all 
that  is  in  the  heaven  and  in  the  earth  is  tliine;  thine  is  the  king¬ 
dom,  O  Lord,  and  thou  art  exalted  as  head  above  all.  Both 
riches  and  honor  come  of  thee,  and  thou  reignest  over  all  ;  and 
in  thine  hand  is  power  and  might;  and  in  thine  hand  it  is  to 
make  great,  and  to  give  strength  unto  all.  Now  therefore,  our 
God,  we  thank  thee,  and  praise  thy  glorious  name. 

c  1  Cor.  xiv.  16.  How  shall  he  that  occupieth  the  room  of  the 
unlearned  say  Amen  at  thy  giving  of  thanks,  seeing  he  under- 
standeth  not  what  thou  savest?  Rev.  xxii.  20,  21.  He  which 
testifieth  these  things  saith,  Surely  I  come  quickly.  Amen. 
Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesus.  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
be  with  you  all.  Ameu. 


THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS. 

EXODUS  XX. 

God  spake  all  these  words,  saying,  I  am  the  Lord 
thy  God,  which  have  brought  thee  out  of  the  land 
of  Egypt,  out  of  the  house  of  bondage. 

I.  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

II.  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven 
image,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven 
above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the 
water  under  the  earth  :  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thy- 

•r 

self  to  them,  nor  serve  them :  for  I,  the  Lord  thy 
God,  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth 
generation  of  them  that  hate  me  ;  and  showing  mercy 
unto  thousands  of  them  that  love  me,  and  keep  my 
commandments. 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


349 


III.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy 
God  in  vain :  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless 
that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

IV.  Remember  the  Sabbath-day,  to  keep  it  holy. 
Six  days  shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all  thy  work :  but 
the  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  ; 
in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son, 
nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-ser¬ 
vant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within 
thy  gates  :  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the 
seventh  day  ;  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath- 
day  and  hallowed  it. 

V.  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother  ;  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee. 

VI.  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

VII.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

VIII.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX.  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy 
neighbor. 

X.  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor’s  house,  thou 
shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor’s  wife,  nor  his  man-ser¬ 
vant,  nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor 
any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbor’s. 


THE  LORD’S  PRAYER. 

MATTHEW  VI. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed  be  thy 
name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth, 
as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread. 
And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors. 
And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from 
evil :  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and 
the  glory,  for  ever.  Amen. 


350 


THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 


THE  CREED. 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of 
heaven  and  earth  :  And  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  Son, 
our  Lord  ;  who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born 
of  the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was 
crucified,  dead,  and  buried;  he  descended  into  hell;* 
the  third  day  he  rose  again  from  the  dead  ;  he  ascended 
into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God  the 
Father  Almighty  ;  from  thence  he  shall  come  to  judge 
the  quick  and  the  dead. 

I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  holy  Catholic 
Church  ;  the  communion  of  saints ;  the  forgiveness  of 
sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the  body ;  and  the  life  ever¬ 
lasting.  Amen. 


*  i.  e.  Continued  in  the  state  of  the  dead,  and  under  the  power  of 
death,  until  the  third  day. 

[See  the  answer  to  the  50th  question  in  the  Larger  Catechism,  p.  167.] 


END  OF  THE  CATECHISM. 


THE 


FORM  OF 


Adopted,  1788. 


Amended,  1805-1901. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PRELIMINARY  PRINCIPLES* 

The  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  ot 
A  merica,  in  presenting  to  the  Christian  public  the  system 
of  union,  and  the  form  of  government  and  discipline 
which  they  have  adopted,  have  thought  proper  to  state, 
by  way  of  introduction,  a  few  of  the  general  principles  by 
which  they  have  been  governed  in  the  formation  of  the 
plan.  This,  it  is  hoped,  will,  in  some  measure,  prevent 
those  rash  misconstructions,  and  uncandid  reflections, 

*  Note.— This  introductory  chapter,  with  the  exception  of  the  first 
sentence,  was  first  drawn  up  by  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadel¬ 
phia,  and  prefixed  to  the  Form  of  Government,  etc.,  as  published  by 
that  body  in  1788.  In  that  year,  after  arranging  the  plan  on  which 
the  Presbyterian  Church  is  now  governed,  the  Synod  was  divided 
into  four  Synods,  and  gave  place  to  the  General  Assembly  which 
met  for  the  first  time  in  1789. 


351 


352 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


which  usually  proceed  from  an  imperfect  view  of  any 
subject;  as  well  as  make  the  several  parts  of  the  system 
plain,  and  the  whole  perspicuous  and  fully  understood. 

They  are  unanimously  of  opinion : 

I.  That  “God  alone  is  Lord  of  the  conscience;  and 
“  hath  left  it  free  from  the  doctrine  and  commandments  oi 
“  men,  which  are  in  any  thing  contrary  to  his  word,  O) 
“  beside  it  in  matters  of  faith  or  worship  Therefore 
they  consider  the  rights  of  private  judgment,  in  all  mat¬ 
ters  that  respect  religion,  as  universal  and  unalienable: 
they  do  not  even  wish  to  see  any  religious  constitution 
aided  by  the  civil  power,  further  than  may  be  necessary 
for  protection  and  security,  and,  at  the  same  time,  be 
equal  and  common  to  all  others. 

II.  That,  in  perfect  consistency  with  the  above  princi¬ 
ple  of  common  right,  every  Christian  Church,  or  union  or 
association  of  particular  churches,  is  entitled  to  declare 
the  terms  of  admission  into  its  communion ,  and  the  qualifi¬ 
cations  of  its  ministers  smd  members,  as  well  as  the  whole 
system  of  its  internal  government  which  Christ  hath  ap¬ 
pointed  :  that,  in  the  exercise  of  this  right  they  may,  not¬ 
withstanding,  err,  in  making  the  terms  of  communion 
either  too  lax  or  too  narrow ;  yet,  even  in  this  case,  they 
do  not  infringe  upon  the  liberty,  or  the  rights  of  others, 
but  only  make  an  improper  use  of  their  own. 

III.  That  our  blessed  Saviour,  for  the  edification  of  the 
visible  Church,  which  is  his  body,  hath  appointed  officers, 
not  only  to  preach  the  gospel  and  administer  the  Sacra - 
ments ;  but  also  to  exercise  discipline,  for  the  preserva¬ 
tion  both  of  truth  and  duty;  and,  that  it  is  incumbent 
upon  these  officers,  and  upon  the  whole  Church,  in  whose 
name  they  act,  to  censure  or  cast  out  the  erroneous  and 
scandalous  ;  observing,  in  all  cases,  the  rules  contained  in 
the  Word  of  God. 

IV.  That  truth  is  in  order  to  goodness;  and  the  great 
touchstone  of  truth,  its  tendency  to  promote  holiness, 
according  to  our  Saviour’s  rule,  “by  their  fruits  ye  shall 
know  them.”  And  that  no  opinion  can  be  either  mor« 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


353 


pernicious  or  more  absurd,  than  that  which  brings  truth 
and  falsehood  upon  a  level,  and  represents  it  as  of  no 
consequence  what  a  man’s  opinions  are.  On  the  contrary, 
they  are  persuaded  that  there  is  an  inseparable  connection 
between  faith  and  practice,  truth  and  duty.  Otherwise  it 
vvould  be  of  no  consequence  either  to  discover  truth,  or  to 
embrace  it. 

Y.  That  while  under  the  conviction  of  the  above  prin¬ 
ciple,  they  think  it  necessary  to  make  effectual  provision, 
that  all  who  are  admitted  as  teachers,  be  sound  in  the  faith  ; 
they  also  believe  that  there  are  truths  and  forms,  with 
respect  to  which  men  of  good  characters  and  principles 
may  differ.  And  in  all  these  they  think  it  the  duty  both 
of  private  Christians  and  societies,  to  exercise  mutual 
forbearance  towards  each  other. 

VI.  That  though  the  character,  qualifications,  and 
authority  of  church  officers,  are  laid  down  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  as  well  as  the  proper  method  of  their  investi¬ 
ture  and  institution ;  yet  the  election  of  the  persons  to  th( 
exercise  of  this  authority,  in  any  particular  society,  is  in 
that  society. 

VII.  That  all  church  power,  whether  exercised  by  the 
body  in  general,  or  in  the  way  of  representation  by  dele¬ 
gated  authority,  is  only  ministerial  and  declarative ;  that 
is  to  say ,  that  the  Holy  Scriptures  are  the  only  rule  of 
faith  and  manners;  that  no  church  judicatory  ought  to 
pretend  to  make  laws,  to  bind  the  conscience  in  virtue  of 
their  own  authority ;  and  that  all  their  decisions  should 
be  founded  upon  the  revealed  will  of  God.  Now  though 
it  will  easily  be  admitted,  that  all  synods  and  councils  may 
err,  through  the  frailty  inseparable  from  humanity;  yet 
there  is  much  greater  danger  from  the  usurped  claim  of 
making  laws,  than  from  the  right  of  judging  upon  laws 
already  made,  and  common  to  all  who  profess  the  gospel ; 
although  this  right,  as  necessity  requires  in  the  present 
state,  be  lodged  with  fallible  men. 

VIII.  Lastly .  That,  if  the  preceding  scriptural  and 
rational  principles  be  steadfastly  adhered  to,  the  vigoi 

23 


354 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


and  strictness  of  its  discipline  will  contribute  to  the  glory 
and  happiness  of  any  Church.  Since  ecclesiastical  disci¬ 
pline  must  be  purely  moral  or  spiritual  in  its  object,  and 
not  attended  with  any  civil  effects,  it  can  derive  no  force 
whatever,  but  from  its  own  justice,  the  approbation  of  an 
impartial  public,  and  the  countenance  and  blessing  of  the 
great  Head  of  the  Church  universal. 


CHAPTER  II. 

OF  THE  CHURCH. 

I.  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  now  exalted  far  above  all 
principality  and  power,0  hath  erected,  in  this  world,  a 
kingdom,  which  is  his  Church.* * * * *  & 

II.  The  universal  Church  consists  of  all  those  persons, 
in  every  nation,  together  with  their  children,  who  make 
profession  of  the  holy  religion  of  Christ,  and  of  submis¬ 
sion  to  his  laws.® 

III.  As  this  immense  multitude  cannot  meet  together  in 
one  place,  to  hold  communion,  or  to  worship  God,  it  is 

a  Epli.  i.  20,  21.  When  he  raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  at 

his  own  right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places,  far  above  all  principality, 
and  power,  and  might,  and  dominion,  and  every  name  that  is  named, 

not  only  in  this  world,  but  also  in  that  which  is  to  come.  Psa.  lxviii. 

18.  Thou  hast  ascended  on  high,  thou  hast  led  captivity  captive: 
thou  hast  received  gifts  for  men  ;  yea,  for  the  rebellious  also,  that  the 

Lord  God  might  dwell  among  them. 

6  Psa.  ii.  6.  Yet  have  I  set  my  king  upon  my  holy  hill  of  Zion. 
Dan.  vii.  14.— There  was  given  him  dominion,  and  glory,  and  a  king¬ 
dom,  that  all  people,  nations,  and  languages,  should  serve  him ;  his 
dominion  is  an  everlasting  dominion,  which  shall  not  pass  away,  and 
his  kingdom  that  which  shall  not  be  destroyed.  Eph.  i.  22,  23.  And 
hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  the  head  over 
all  things  to  the  church,  which  is  his  body,  the  fullness  of  him  that 
filleth  all  in  all. 

•  Rev.  v.  9.  And  hast  redeemed  us  to  God  by  thy  blood  out  of  every 
kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people,  and  nation.  Acts  ii.  39.  For  the 
promise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your  children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off, 
even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call.  1  Cor.  i.  2,  compared 
with  2  Cor.  ix.  13. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT . 


355 


reasonable,  and  warranted  by  Scripture  example,  that 
they  should  be  divided  into  many  particular  churches.* *1 
IV.  A  particular  church  consists  of  a  number  of  pro¬ 
fessing  Christians,  with  their  offspring,  voluntarily  associ 
ated  together,  for  divine  worship  and  godly  living,  agree* 
ably  to  the  Holy  Scriptures ; 0  and  submitting  to  a  certain 
form  of  government/ 


CHAPTER  III. 

OF  THE  OFFICERS  OF  THE  CHURCH 

I.  Our  blessed  Lord,  at  first,  collected  his  Church  out  of 
different  nations/  and  formed  it  into  one  body/  by  tht 

d  Gal.  i.  21,  22.  Afterwards  I  came  into  the  regions  of  Syria  and 
Cilicia :  and  was  unknown  by  face  unto  the  churches  of  Judea  which 
were  in  Christ.  Rev.  i.  4,  20.  John  to  the  seven  churches  which  are 
in  Asia :  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  him  which  is,  and  which 
was,  and  which  is  to  come:  and  from  the  seven  spirits  which  are 
oefore  his  throne.— The  mystery  of  the  seven  stars  which  thou  sawest 
in  my  right  hand,  and  the  seven  golden  candlesticks.  The  seven 
stars  are  the  angels  of  the  seven  churches ;  and  the  seven  candlesticks 
which  thou  sawest  are  the  seven  churches.  See  also  Rev.  ii.  1. 

•  Acts  ii.  41,  47.  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were  bap¬ 
tized  ;  and  the  same  day  there  were  added  unto  them  about  three 
thousand  souls.— Praising  God,  and  having  favor  with  all  the  people. 
And  the  Lord  added  to  the  church  daily  such  as  should  be  saved.  1 
Cor.  vii.  14.  For  the  unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified  by  the  wife, 
and  the  unbelieving  wife  is  sanctified  by  the  husband:  else  were 
your  children  unclean ;  but  now  are  they  holy.  Acts  ii.  39.  Mark  x. 
14,  compared  with  Matt.  xix.  13, 14,  and  Luke  xviii.  15, 16. 

/  Heb.  viii.  5.  Who  serve  unto  the  example  and  shadow  of  heaven 
ly  things,  as  Moses  was  admonished  of  God  when  he  was  about  t.o 
make  the  tabernacle ;  for,  See  (saith  he)  that  thou  make  all  things 
according  to  the  pattern  showred  to  thee  in  the  mount.  Gal.  vi.  16. 
And  as  many  as  walk  according  to  this  rule,  peace  be  on  them,  and 
mercy,  and  upon  the  Israel  of  God. 

o  Psa.  ii.  8.  Ask  of  me,  and  I  shall  give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine 
Inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  possession. 
Rov.  vii.  9.  After  this  I  beheld,  and,  lo,  a  great  multitude,  which  no 
man  could  number,  of  all  nations,  and  kindreds,  and  people,  and 
tongues,  stood  before  the  throne,  and  before  the  Lamb,  clothed  with 
white  robes,  and  palms  in  their  hands. 

*  1  Cor.  x.  17.  For  we  being  many  are  one  bread,  and  one  body 


356 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT . 


mission  of  men  endued  with  miraculous  gifts  which  hav« 
long  since  ceased.4 

II.  The  ordinary  and  perpetual  officers  in  the  Church 
are  Bishops  or  Pastors;-* *  the  representatives  of  the  people, 
usually  styled  Ruling  Elders ;  *  and  Deacons.1 


CHAPTER  IV. 

OF  BISHOPS  OR  PASTORS. 

The  pastoral  office  is  the  first  in  the  Church,  both  for 
dignity  and  usefulness/"  The  person  who  fills  this  office, 
hath,  in  Scripture,  obtained  different  names  expressive  of 
his  various  duties.  As  he  has  the  oversight  of  the  flock 
of  Christ,  he  is  termed  bishop.*  n  As  he  feeds  them  with 
spiritual  food,  he  is  termed  pastor.0  As  he  serves  Christ 


for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one  bread.  See  also  Eph.  lv.  16.  CoL 

1. 18. 

<  Matt.  x.  1,  8.  And  when  he  had  called  unto  him  his  twelve  disci¬ 
ples,  he  gave  them  power  against  unclean  spirits,  to  cast  them  out, 
and  to  heal  all  manner  of  sickness  and  all  manner  of  disease,  etc 

i  l  Tim.  iii.  1.  If  a  man  desire  the  office  of  a  bishop,  he  desireth  a 
good  work.  Eph.  iv.  11, 12.  And  he  gave  some,  apostles;  and  some, 
prophets ;  and  some,  evangelists;  and  some,  pastors  and  teachers;  for 
the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the 
edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ. 

*  1  Tim.  v.  17.  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well  be  counted  worthy  of 
double  honor. 

*Phil.  i.  1.  To  all  the  saints  in  Christ  Jesus  which  are  at  Philippi, 
with  the  bishops  and  deacons. 

■»  Rom.  xi.  13. 

»  Acts  xx.  28.  Take  heed  therefore  unto  yourselves,  and  to  all  the 
Bock,  over  the  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you  overseers, 
[bishops]  to  feed  the  church  of  God,  which  he  hath  purchased  with 
his  own  blood. 

°Jer.  iii.  15.  And  I  will  give  you  pastors  according  to  mine  heart,  which 
■hall  feed  you  with  knowledge  and  understanding.  1  Pet.  v.  2,  3, 4. 

*  As  the  office  and  character  of  the  gospel  minister  is  particularly 
and  fully  described  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  under  the  title  of  bishop ; 
and  as  this  term  is  peculiarly  expressive  of  his  duty  as  an  overseer  of 
the  flock,  it  ought  not  to  be  rejected. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


357 


In  his  church,  he  is  termed  minister/  As  it  is  his  duty  to 
be  grave  and  prudent,  and  an  example  of  the  flock,  and 
to  govern  well  in  the  house  and  kingdom  of  Christ,  he  is 
termed  presbyter  or  elder/  As  he  is  the  messenger  of 
God,  he  is  termed  the  angel  of  the  church/  As  he  is  sent 
to  declare  the  will  of  God  to  sinners,  and  to  beseech  them 
to  be  reconciled  to  God  through  Christ,  he  is  termed  am¬ 
bassador/  And,  as  he  dispenses  the  manifold  grace  of 
God,  and  the  ordinances  instituted  by  Christ,  he  is  termed 
steward  of  the  mysteries  of  God/ 


CHAPTER  Y. 

OF  RULING  ELDERS. 

Ruling  elders  are  properly  the  representatives  of  the 
people,  chosen  by  them  for  the  purpose  of  exercising 
government  and  discipline,  in  conjunction  with  pastors  or 
ministers/  This  office  has  been  understood,  by  a  great 
part  of  the  Protestant  Reformed  Churches,  to  be  desig- 


p  1  Cor.  iv.  1.  Let  a  man  so  account  of  us,  as  of  the  ministers  of 
Christ,  and  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God.  2  Cor.  ill.  6.  Who  also 
hath  made  us  able  ministers  of  the  new  testament. 

« 1  Pet.  v.  1.  The  elders  which  are  among  you  I  exhort,  who  am 
also  an  elder,  and  a  witness  of  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  also  a  par¬ 
taker  of  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed.  See  also  Tit.  i.  5.  1  Tim.  v. 
1,17, 19. 

r  Rev.  ii.  1.  Unto  the  angel  of  the  church  of  Ephesus  write.  Rev. 
i.  20.— The  seven  stars  are  the  angels  of  the  seven  churches.  See 
also  Rev.  iii.  1,  7.  Mai.  ii.  7. 

*  2  Cor.  v.  20.  Now  then  we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  as  though 
God  did  beseech  you  by  us,  we  pray  you  in  Christ’s  stead,  be  ye 
reconciled  to  God.  Eph.  vi.  20. 

*  Luke  xii.  42.  Who  then  is  that  faithful  and  wise  steward,  whom 

his  lord  shall  make  ruler  over  his  household,  to  give  them  their  por¬ 
tion  of  meat  in  due  season  ?  1  Cor.  iv.  1,  2.— Moreover  it  is  required 

In  stewards  that  a  man  be  found  faithful. 

*  1  Tim.  v.  17.  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well  be  counted  worthy  of 
double  honor,  especially  they  who  labor  in  tho  word  and  doctrine 
Rom.  xU  7,8.  Acts  xv.  25. 


358 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


oated  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  by  the  title  of  governments  , 
and  of  those  who  rule  well,  but  do  not  labor  in  the  word 
and  doctrine.® 


CHAPTER  VI. 

OF  DEACONS. 

The  Scriptures  clearly  point  out  deacons  as  distinct 
officers  in  the  Church,"  whose  business  it  is  to  take  care 
of  the  poor,  and  to  distribute  among  them  the  collections 
which  may  be  raised  for  their  use.* *  To  them  also  may  be 
properly  committed  the  management  of  the  temporal 
affairs  of  the  church.* 


CHAPTER  VII. 

OF  ORDINANCES  IN  A  PARTICULAR  CHURCH. 

The  ordinances  established  by  Christ,  the  head,  in  a 
particular  church,  which  is  regularly  constituted  with 


*  ICor.  xii.  28.  And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first  apostles; 
secondarily  prophets,  thirdly  teachers,  after  that  miracles,  then  gifts 
of  healings,  helps,  governments,  diversities  of  tongues.  See  letter  iu), 

p .  3o5. 

”  Phil.  i.  1.  1  Tim.  iii.  8  to  15. 

*  Acts  vi.  1,  2.  And  in  those  days,  when  the  number  of  the  disciples 
was  multiplied,  there  arose  a  murmuring  of  the  Grecians  against  the 
Hebrews,  because  their  widows  were  neglected  in  the  daily  ministra¬ 
tion.  Then  the  twelve  called  the  multitude  of  the  disciples  unto 
them,  and  said,  It  is  not  reason  that  we  should  leave  the  word  of  God, 
and  serve  tables. 

*  Acts  vi.  3,  5,  6.  Wherefore,  brethen,  look  ye  out  among  you  6even 
men  of  honest  report  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  wisdom,  whom  we 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT . 


359 


its  proper  officers/  are  prayer/  singing  praises/  reading/ 
expounding  and  preaching  the  Word  of  God;d  administer¬ 
ing  Baptism  and  the  Lord’s  Supper  ; 6  public  solemn  fast¬ 
ing  and  thanksgiving/  catechizing/  making  collections 


may  appoint  over  this  business. — And  the  saying  pleased  the  whole 
multitude:  and  they  chose  Stephen,  a  man  full  of  faith  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  Philip,  and  Frochorus,  and  Nicanor,  and  Timon,  and 
Parmenas,  and  Nicolas  a  proselyte  of  Antioch;  whom  they  set  before 
the  apostles :  and  when  they  had  prayed,  they  laid  their  hands  on 
".hem. 

•  1  Cor.  xiv.  26, 33,  40.  Let  all  things  be  done  unto  edifying.— For 
God  is  not  the  author  of  confusion,  but  of  peace,  as  in  all  churches  of 
the  saints— Let  all  things  be  done  decently  and  in  order. 

•  Acts  vi.  4.  But  we  will  give  ourselves  continually  to  prayer,  and 
to  the  ministry  of  the  word.  1  Tim.  ii.  1. 

b  Col.  iii.  16.  Teaching  and  admonishing  one  another  in  psalms  and 
hymns  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your  hearts  to  the 
Lord.  Psa.  ix.  11.  Eph.  v.  19.  Also  Col.  iv.  6. 

•  Acts  xv.  21.  Luke  iv.  16, 17. 

d  Titus  i.  9.  Holding  fast  the  faithful  word  as  he  hath  been  taught, 
that  he  may  be  able  by  sound  doctrine  both  to  exhort  and  convince 
the  gainsayers.  Acts  x.  42.— He  commanded  us  to  preach  unto  the 
people.  See  also  Acts  xxviii.  23.  Luke  xxiv.  47.  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  Acts 
ix.  20. 

«  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all  nations,  bap¬ 
tizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost ;  teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have 
commanded  you,  etc.  And  Mark  xvi.  15,  16.  1  Cor.  xi.  23,  24,  25,  26. 
For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I  delivered  unto  you, 
That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  he  was  betrayed,  took 
bread:  and  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he  brake  it,  and  said,  Take, 
eat ;  this  is  my  body,  which  is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance 
of  me.  After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when  he  had 
supped,  saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood:  this  do 
ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye 
eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death  till 
he  come.  Compared  with  1  Cor.  x.  16. 

/  Luke  v.  35.  But  the  days  will  come,  when  the  bridegroom  shall  be 
taken  away  from  them,  and  then  shall  they  fast  in  those  days.  Psa.  1. 
14.  Offer  unto  God  thanksgiving :  and  pay  thy  vows  unto  the  Most 
High.  Phil.  iv.  6.— In  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God.  See  1  Tim. 
Li.  1.  Psa.  xcv.  2. 

9  Heb.  v.  12.  For  when  for  the  time  ye  ought  to  be  teachers,  ye  have 
need  that  one  teacb  you  again  which  be  the  first  principles  of  the 
oracles  of  God  and  are  become  such  as  have  need  of  milk,  and  not 
rf  strong  meat. 


3G0 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


for  the  poor  and  other  pious  purposes ; h  exercising  disci 
pline;* *  and  blessing  the  people/ 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

OF  CHURCH  GOVERNMENT,  AND  THE  SEVERAL  KINDS  OF 

JUDICATORIES . 

I.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  that  the  government  of  the 
Church  be  exercised  under  some  certain  and  definite  form.* 
And  we  hold  it  to  be  expedient,  and  agreeable  to  Scripture 
and  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Christians,  that  theChurch 
be  governed  by  congregational,  presbyterial,  and  synodical 
assemblies.  In  full  consistency  with  this  belief,  we  em¬ 
brace,  in  the  spirit  of  charity,  those  Christians  who  differ 
from  us,  in  opinion,  or  in  practice,  on  these  subjects.1 

II.  These  assemblies  ought  not  to  possess  any  civil  juris- 


*  1  Cor.  xvi.  1,  2,  3, 4.  Now  concerning  the  collection  for  the  saints,  as 
i  have  given  order  to  the  churches  of  Galatia,  even  so  do  ye.  Upon  the 
first  day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God 
hath  prospered  him,  that  there  be  no  gatherings  when  I  come.  And 
when  I  come,  whomsoever  ye  shall  approve  by  your  letters,  them  will 
I  send  to  bring  your  liberality  unto  Jerusalem.  And  if  it  be  meet  that 
I  go  also,  they  shall  go  with  me.  Gal.  ii.  10.  Only  they  would  that  we 
should  remember  the  poor;  the  same  which  I  also  was  forward  to  do. 

*  Heb.  xiii.  17.  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit 
yourselves :  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that  must  give  ac¬ 
count,  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief :  for  that  is 
unprofitable  for  you.  1  Thess.  v.  12, 13.  And  we  beseech  you,  breth¬ 
ren,  to  know  them  which  labor  among  you,  and  are  over  you  in  the 
Lord,  and  admonish  you;  and  to  esteem  them  very  highly  in  love  for 
their  work’s  sake.  And  be  at  peace  among  yourselves. 

j  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of 
God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all.  Amen. 
Eph.  i.  2.  Grace  be  to  you,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father  and  from 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

*  Ezek.  xliii.  11, 12.  Show  them  the  form  of  the  house,  and  the 
fashion  thereof,  and  the  goings  out  thereof,  and  the  comiugs  in  thereof, 
and  all  the  forms  thereof,  and  all  the  ordinances  thereof,  and  all  the 
forms  thereof,  and  all  the  laws  thereof:  and  write  it  in  their  sight, 
that  they  may  keep  the  whole  form  thereof,  and  all  the  ordinances 
thereof,  and  do  them.  This  is  the  law  of  the  house. 

*  Acts  xv.  f»,  6.  But  there  rose  up  certain  of  the  sect  of  the  PharV 
sees  which  believed  saying,  That  it  was  needful  to  circumcise  them 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


361 


diction,  nor  to  inflict  any  civil  penalties.1"  Their  power 
is  wholly  moral  or  spiritual,  and  that  only  ministerial 
and  declarative."  They  possess  the  right  of  requiring 
obedience  to  the  laws  of  Christ;  and  of  excluding  the 
disobedient  and  disorderly  from  the  privileges  of  the 
Church.  To  give  efficiency,  however,  to  this  necessary 
and  scriptural  authority,  they  possess  the  powers  requi¬ 
site  for  obtaining  evidence  and  inflicting  censure.  They 
can  call  before  them  any  offender  against  the  order  and 
government  of  the  Church  ;  they  can  require  members  of 
their  own  society  to  appear  and  give  testimony  in  the 
cause;  but  the  highest  punishment  to  wffiich  their  author¬ 
ity  extends,  is  to  exclude  the  contumacious  and  impeni¬ 
tent  from  the  congregation  of  believers.® 


CHAPTER  IX. 

OJ  THE  CHURCH  SESSION . 

I.  The  church  session  consists  of  the  pastor  or  pastors 
and  ruling  elders,  of  a  particular  congregation* * 

and  to  command  them  to  keep  the  law  of  Moses.  And  the  apostles 
and  elders  came  together  for  to  consider  of  this  matter. 

*»  Luke  xii.  13, 14.  And  one  of  the  company  said  unto  him,  Master 
speak  to  my  brother,  that  he  divide  the  inheritance  with  me.  And  he 
said  unto  him,  Man,  who  made  me  a  judge  or  a  divider  over  you5 
John  xviii.  36.— My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world. 

"  8ee  and  consult  Acts  xv.  from  the  1st  to  the  32d  verse. 

•  Matt,  xviii.  15, 16, 17, 18, 19,  20.  Moreover  if  thy  brother  shall  tres 
pass  against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him 
alone:  if  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  But  if 
he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take  with  thee  one  or  two  more,  that  in 
the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses  every  word  may  be  established. 
And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church  :  but  if 
be  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man 
and  a  publican.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on 
earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaven ;  and  whatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on 
earth  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven.  1  Cor.  v.  4,  5.  In  the  name  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  when  ye  are  gathered  together,  and  my  spirit,  with 
the  power  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  deliver  such  an  one  unto  Satan 
for  the  destruction  of  the  flesh,  that  the  spirit  may  be  saved  in  the  day 
of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

p  1  Cor.  v.  4.  In  Mie  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  when  ye  are 


362 


FORM  OF  00  VERNMEN'l. 


II.  Of  this  judicatory,  two  elders,  if  there  be  as  man) 
in  the  congregation,  with  the  pastor,  shall  be  necessary  to 
constitute  a  quorum. 

III.  The  pastor  of  the  congregation  shall  always  be 
the  moderator  of  the  session ;  except  when,  for  prudential 
reasons,  it  may  appear  advisable  that  some  other  minister 
should  be  invited  to  preside;  in  which  case  the  pastor 
may,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  session,  invite  such 
other  minister  as  they  may  see  meet,  belonging  to  the 
same  presbytery,  to  preside  in  that  case.  The  same  expe¬ 
dient  may  be  adopted  in  case  of  the  sickness  or  absence 
of  the  pastor. 

IV.  It  is  expedient,  at  every  meeting  of  the  session, 
more  especially  when  constituted  for  judicial  business, 
that  there  be  a  presiding  minister.  When,  therefore,  a 
church  is  without  a  pastor,  the  moderator  of  the  session 
shall  be,  either  the  minister  appointed  for  that  purposi 
by  the  presbytery,  or  one  invited  by  the  session  to  preside 
on  a  particular  occasion.  But  where  it  is  impracticable, 
without  great  inconvenience,  to  procure  the  attendance 
of  such  a  moderator,  the  session  may  proceed  without  it. 

Y.  In  congregations  where  there  are  two  or  more  pas¬ 
tors,  they  shall,  when  present,  alternately  preside  in  the 
session. 

VI.  The  church  session  is  charged  with  maintaining 
the  spiritual  government  of  the  congregation  ; ?  for  which 
purpose,  they  have  power  to  inquire  into  the  knowledge 
and  Christian  conduct  of  the  members  of  the  church  ;f 
to  call  before  them  offenders  and  witnesses,  being  mem¬ 
bers  of  their  own  congregation,  and  to  introduce  other 
witnesses,  where  it  may  be  necessary  to  bring  the  process 
to  issue,  and  when  they  can  be  procured  to  attend  ;  to  re¬ 
ceive  members  into  the  church  ;  to  admonish,  to  rebuke, 

gathered  together,  and  my  spirit,  with  the  power  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

«  Heb.  xiii.  17.  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  sub¬ 
mit  yourselves:  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that  must  give 
account,  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief.  1  These,  r 
12,  13,  and  1  Tim.  v.  17. 

r  Erek  xxxiv.  4. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


363 


to  suspend  or  exclude  from  the  Sacraments,  those  who  are 
found  to  deserve  censure  ;s  to  concert  the  best  measures  for 
promoting  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  congregation ;  to 
supervise  the  Sabbath-school  and  the  various  societies  or 
agencies  of  the  congregation ;  and  to  appoint  delegates  to 
the  higher  judicatories  of  the  Church/ 

VII.  Subject  to  the  provisions  of  the  Directory  for 
Worship,  the  session  shall  have  and  exercise  exclusive 
authority  over  the  worship  of  the  congregation,  including 
the  musical  service ;  and  shall  determine  the  times  and 
places  of  preaching  the  Word  and  all  other  religious  serv¬ 
ices.  They  shall  also  have  exclusive  authority  over  the 
uses  to  which  the  church  buildings  may  be  put,  but  may 
temporarily  delegate  the  determination  of  such  uses  to 
the  body  having  management  of  the  temporal  affairs  of 
the  church,  subject  to  the  superior  authority  and  direction 
of  the  session. 

VIII.  The  pastor  has  power  to  convene  the  session  when 
he  may  judge  it  requisite  ;M  and  he  shall  always  convene 
them  when  requested  to  do  so  by  any  two  of  the  elders. 
The  session  shall  also  convene  when  directed  so  to  do 
by  the  presbytery. 

IX.  Every  session  shall  keep  a  fair  record  of  its  pro¬ 
ceedings;  which  record  shall  be,  at  least  once  in  every 
year,  submitted  to  the  inspection  of  the  presbytery. 

X.  It  is  important  that  every  church  session  keep  a 
fair  register  of  marriages;  of  baptisms,  with  the  times 
of  the  birth  of  the  individuals  baptized;  of  persons  ad¬ 
mitted  to  the  Lord's  Table,  and  of  the  deaths,  and  other 
removals  of  church  members. 


e  i  Thess.  v.  12,  13.  And  we  beseech  you,  brethren,  to  know  them 
which  labor  among  you,  and  are  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  admon¬ 
ish  you ;  and  to  esteem  them  very  highly  in  love  for  their  work’s 
sake.  And  be  at  peace  among  yourselves.  See  also  2  Thess.  iii.  6, 14, 
15.  1  Cor.  xi.  27  to  the  end. 

*  Acts  xv.  2,  6.  When  therefore  Paul  and  Barnabas  had  no  small 
dissension  and  disputation  with  them,  they  determined  that  Paul  and 
Barnabas,  and  certain  other  of  them,  should  go  up  to  Jerusalem  unto 
the  apostles  and  elders  about  this  question.— And  the  apostles  and 
elders  came  together  for  to  consider  of  this  matter.  “Acts  xx.  17. 


364 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


CHAPTER  X. 

OF  THE  PRESBYTERY. 

I.  The  Church  being  divided  into  many  separate  con¬ 
gregations,  these  need  mutual  counsel  and  assistance,  in 
order  to  preserve  soundness  of  doctrine,  and  regularity 
of  discipline,  and  to  enter  into  common  measures  for  pro¬ 
moting  knowledge  and  religion,  and  for  preventing  infi¬ 
delity,  error,  and  immorality .v  Hence  arise  the  importance 
and  usefulness  of  presbyterial  and  synodical  assemblies.^ 

II.  A  presbytery  consists  of  all  the  ministers,  in  num¬ 
ber  not  less  than  five,  and  one  ruling  elder  from  each 
congregation,  within  a  certain  district ;  but  in  exceptional 
cases  a  presbytery  may  be  organized  within  the  bounda¬ 
ries  of  existing  presbyteries,  in  the  interests  of  ministers 
and  churches  speaking  other  than  the  English  language, 
or  of  those  of  a  particular  race ;  but  in  no  case  without 
their  consent;  and  the  same  rule  shall  apply  to  synods. 

III.  Every  congregation,  which  has  a  stated  pastor,  has 
a  right  to  be  represented  by  one  elder ;  and  every  colle¬ 
giate  church  by  two  or  more  elders,  in  proportion  to  the 
number  of  its  pastors. 

IV.  Every  vacant  congregation,  which  is  regularly  or¬ 
ganized,  shall  be  entitled  to  be  represented  by  a  ruling 
elder  in  presbytery. 

V.  Every  elder  not  known  to  the  presbytery,  shall 

®  The  church  of  Jerusalem  consisted  of  more  than  one,  as  is  mani- 
fest  both  before  and  after  the  dispersion,  from  Acts  vi.  1, 6.  Acts  ix.31. 
Acts  xxi.  20.  Acts  ii.  41,  46,  47,  and  iv.  4.  These  congregations  were 
under  one  presbyterial  government,  proved  from  Acts  xv.  4.  Acts  xi. 
22,  30.  Acts  xxi.  17, 18.  Acts  vi.  That  the  church  of  Ephesus  had  more 
congregations  than  one,  under  a  presbyterial  government,  appears 
from  Acts  xix.  18,  19,  20.  1  Cor.  xvi.  8,  9,  19,  compared  with  Acts  xviii 
19,  24.  26.  Acts  xx.  17,  18,  25,  28,  30,  31,  36,  37.  Rev.  ii.  1,  2,  3,  4, 5,  6. 

*  1  Tim.  iv.  14.  Neglect  not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee,  which  was  given 
thee  by  prophecy,  with  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbyter)' 
Acts  xv.  2,  3,  4,  6,  22.— And  when  they  were  come  to  Jerusalem,  they 
were  received  of  the  church,  and  of  the  apostles  and  elders,  and  they 
declared  all  things  that  God  had  done  with  them. — And  the  apostle* * 
and  eldeis  came  together  for  to  consider  of  this  matter. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT : 


365 


produce  a  certificate  of  liis  regular  appointment  from 
the  church  which  he  represents.® 

YI.  Any  three  ministers,  and  as  many  elders  as  may 
be  present  belonging  to  the  presbytery,  being  met  at  the 
time  and  place  appointed,  shall  be  a  quorum  competent 
to  proceed  to  business/ 

VII.  The  presbytery  has  power  to  receive  and  issue 
all  appeals,  complaints,  and  references,  that  are  regu¬ 
larly  brought  before  it  from  church  sessions/  provided,  that 
cases  may  be  transmitted  to  Judicial  Commissions  as  pre¬ 
scribed  in  the  Book  of  Discipline ; a  to  examine  and 
license  candidates  for  the  holy  ministry ;* * * * *  6  to  ordain, 
install,  remove,  and  judge  ministers ; c  to  examine  and 


*  Acts  xv.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6.  1  Cor.  xiv.  26,  33,  40. — Let  all  things  be  done 
unto  edifying; — for  God  is  not  the  author  of  confusion,  but  of  peace, 
as  in  all  churches  of  the  saints. — Let  all  things  be  done  decently  and 

In  order. 

»  Acts  xiv.  26,  27.  And  thence  sailed  to  Antioch,  from  whence  they 
bad  been  recommended  to  the  grace  of  God  for  the  work  which  they 
fulfilled.  And  when  they  were  come,  and  had  gathered  the  church 
together,  they  rehearsed  all  that  God  had  done  with  them,  and  how 
he  had  opened  the  door  of  faith  unto  the  Gentiles.  Compared  with 
Acts  xi.  18.  When  they  heard  these  things,  they  held  their  peace, 
and  glorified  God,  saying,  Then  hath  God  also  to  the  Gentiles  granted 
repentance  unto  life. 

*  Acts  xv.  5,  6, 19,  20.  But  there  rose  up  certain  of  the  sect  of  the 
Pharisees  which  believed,  saying,  That  it  was  needful  to  circumcise 
them,  and  to  command  them  to  keep  the  law  of  Moses.  And  the  apos¬ 
tles  and  elders  came  together  for  to  consider  of  this  matter.— Where¬ 
fore  my  sentence  is,  that  we  trouble  not  them,  which  from  among 
the  Gentiles  are  turned  to  God:  but  that  we  write  unto  them,  that 
they  abstain  from  pollutions  of  idols,  and  from  fornication,  and 
from  things  strangled,  and  from  blood. 

J  Acts  xviii.  24,  27.  And  a  certain  Jew  named  Apollos,  born  at  Alex¬ 
andria,  an  eloquent  man,  and  mighty  in  the  Scriptures,  came  to  Ephe- 
bus. — And  when  he  was  disposed  to  pass  into  Achaia,  the  brethren 
wrote,  exhorting  the  disciples  to  receive  him.  Compare  Acts  xix.  1-7 

6 1  Tim.  iv.  14.  Neglect  not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee,  which  was  given 
thee  by  prophecy,  with  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbytery. 
Acts  xiii.  2,  3.  As  they  ministered  to  the  Lord,  and  fasted,  the  Holy 
Ghost  said,  Separate  me  Barnabas  and  Saul  for  the  work  whereunto 
I  have  called  them.  And  when  they  had  fasted  and  prayed,  and  laid 
their  hands  on  them,  they  sent  them  away 
c  Acts  xv.  28.  For  it  seemed  good  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to  us,  to  lay 
upon  you  no  greater  burden  than  these  necessary  things.  1  Cor.  v.  3. 


366 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT . 


approve  or  censure  the  records  of  church  sessions; 
to  resolve  questions  of  doctrine  or  discipline  seriously 
and  reasonably  proposed  ; d  to  condemn  erroneous  opin¬ 
ions  which  injure  the  purity  or  peace  of  the  Church  ;* 
to  visit  particular  churches,  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring 
into  their  state,  and  redressing  the  evils  that  may  have 
arisen  in  them/  to  unite  or  divide  congregations,  at  the 
request  of  the  people,  or  to  form  or  receive  new  congre¬ 
gations,  and,  in  general,  to  order  whatever  pertains  to  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  the  churches  under  their  care/  The 
presbytery  may  appoint  an  Executive  Commission,  of 
which  the  moderator  shall  be  chairman.  The  number  of 
members,  powers  and  duties,  and  term  of  service  of  the 
Commission  shall  be  determined  by  the  presbytery ;  pro¬ 
vided,  that  judicial  cases  shall  be  referred  only  to  Judicial 
Commissions. 

VIII.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presbytery  to  keep  a 
full  and  fair  record  of  their  proceedings,  and  to  report  to 
the  synod,  every  year,  licensures,  ordinations,  the  receiv¬ 
ing  or  dismissing  of  members,  the  removal  of  members 

d  Acts  xv.  10.  Now  therefore  why  tempt  ye  God,  to  put  a  yoke  upon 
the  neck  of  the  disciples,  which  neither  our  fathers  nor  we  were  able 
to  bear?  Compared  with  Gal.  ii.  4,  5. 

«  Acts  xv.  22, 23, 24.  Then  pleased  it  the  apostles  and  elders,  with  the 
whole  church,  to  send  chosen  men  of  their  own  company  to  Antioch 
with  Paul  and  Barnabas;  namely,  Judas  sursarned  Barsabas,  and 
Silas,  chief  men  among  the  brethren:  and  they  wrote  letters  by 
them  after  this  manner;  The  apostles  and  elders  and  brethren  send 
greeting  unto  the  brethren  which  are  of  the  Gentiles  in  Antioch  and 
Syria  and  Cilicia:  forasmuch  as  we  have  heard,  that  certain  which 
went  out  from  us  have  troubled  you  with  words,  subverting  your 
souls,  saying,  Ye  must  be  circumcised,  and  keep  the  law ;  to  whom 
we  gave  no  such  commandment. 

/  Acts  xx.  17.  And  from  Miletus  he  sent  to  Ephesus,  and  called  the 
elders  of  the  church.  Acts  vi.  2.  Then  the  twelve  called  the  multi¬ 
tude  of  the  disciples  unto  them,  and  said,  It  is  not  reason  that  we 
should  leave  the  word  of  God,  and  serve  tables.  Acts  xv.  30.  So  when 
they  were  dismissed,  they  came  to  Antioch  ;  and  when  they  had  gath¬ 
ered  the  multitude  together,  they  delivered  the  epistle. 

y  Eph.  vi.  18.  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  iD 
the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  suppli¬ 
cation  for  all  saints.— Phil.  iv.  G.  Be  careful  for  nothing;  but  in  every 
thing  by  prayor  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving  let  your  request! 
be  made  known  unto  God. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


367 


by  death,  the  union  or  division  of  congregations,  or  the 
formation  of  new  ones,  and,  in  general,  all  the  important 
changes  which  may  have  taken  place  within  their  bounds 
in  the  course  of  the  year. 

IX.  The  presbytery  shall  meet  on  its  own  adjournment; 
and  when  any  emergency  shall  require  a  meeting  sooner 
than  the  time  to  which  it  stands  adjourned,  the  modera¬ 
tor,  or,  in  case  of  his  absence,  death,  or  inability  to  act, 
the  stated  clerk,  shall,  with  the  concurrence,  or  at  the  re¬ 
quest  of  two  ministers  and  two  elders,  the  elders  being  of 
different  congregations,  call  a  special  meeting.  For  this 
purpose  he  shall  send  a  circular  letter,  specifying  the 
particular  business  of  the  intended  meeting,  to  every 
minister  belonging  to  the  presbytery,  and  to  the  session 
of  every  vacant  congregation,  in  due  time  previous  to 
the  meeting ;  which  shall  not  be  less  than  ten  days.  And 
nothing  shall  be  transacted  at  such  special  meeting  besides 
the  particular  business  for  which  the  judicatory  has  been 
thus  convened. 

X.  At  every  meeting  of  presbytery,  a  sermon  shall  be 
delivered,  if  convenient ;  and  every  particular  session 
shall  be  opened  and  closed  with  prayer, 

XI.  Ministers  in  good  standing  in  other  presbyteries,  or 
in  any  sister  churches,  who  may  happen  to  be  present,  may 
be  invited  to  sit  with  the  presbytery,  as  corresponding  mem¬ 
bers.  Such  members  shall  be  entitled  to  deliberate  and 
advise,  but  not  to  vote  in  any  decisions  of  the  presbytery. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

OF  THE  SYNOD* 

I.  As  a  presbytery  is  a  convention  of  the  bishops  and 
elders  within  a  certain  district ;  so  a  synod  is  a  conven- 

*  As  the  proofs  already  adduced  in  favor  of  a  presbyterial  assembly 
in  the  government  of  the  Church,  are  equally  valid  in  support  of  a 
synodical  assembly,  it  is  unnecessary  to  repeat  the  Scriptures  to  which 
reference  has  been  made  under  Chap.  X.,  or  to  add  any  other. 


368 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


tion  of  the  bishops  and  elders  within  a  larger  district, 
including  at  least  three  presbyteries.  The  synod  may  be 
composed,  at  its  own  option,  with  the  consent  of  a  major¬ 
ity  of  its  presbyteries,  either  of  all  the  bishops  and  an 
elder  from  each  congregation  in  its  district,  with  the  same 
modifications  as  in  the  presbytery,  or  of  equal  delegations 
of  bishops  and  elders,  elected  by  the  presbyteries  on  n 
basis  and  in  a  ratio  determined  in  like  manner  by  the 
synod  itself  and  its  presbyteries. 

II.  Any  seven  ministers,  belonging  to  the  synod,  who 
shall  convene  at  the  time  and  place  of  meeting,  with  as 
many  elders  as  may  be  present,  shall  be  a  quorum  to  trans¬ 
act  synodical  business ;  provided  not  more  than  three  cf 
the  said  ministers  belong  to  one  presbytery. 

III.  The  same  rule,  as  to  corresponding  members,  which 
was  laid  down  with  respect  to  the  presbytery,  shall  apply 
to  the  synod. 

*  IV.  The  synod  has  power  to  receive  and  issue  all 
appeals,  complaints,  and  references,  that  are  regularly 
brought  before  it  from  the  presbyteries,  and  to  decide 
finally  in  such  cases  all  questions  that  do  not  affect  the 
doctrine  or  Constitution  of  the  Church,  provided ,  that 
cases  may  be  transmitted  to  Judicial  Commissions  as 
prescribed  in  the  Book  of  Discipline ;  to  review  the 
records  of  presbyteries,  and  approve  or  censure  them ; 
to  redress  whatever  has  been  done  by  presbyteries  con¬ 
trary  to  order ;  to  take  effectual  care  that  presby¬ 
teries  observe  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  ;  to  erect 
new  presbyteries,  and  to  unite  or  divide  those  which 
were  before  erected ;  generally,  to  take  such  order  with 
respect  to  the  presbyteries,  sessions,  and  people  under 
their  care,  as  may  be  in  conformity  with  the  Word 
of  God  and  the  established  rules,  and  may  tend  to 
promote  the  edification  of  the  Church ;  and,  finally,  to 
propose  to  the  General  Assembly,  for  its  adoption,  such 
measures  as  may  be  of  common  advantage  to  the  whole 
Church.  The  synod  may  appoint  an  Executive  Commis- 

*  See  Amendments,  i».  395. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT \ 


369 


sion,  of  which  the  moderator  shall  be  chairman.  The 
number  of  members,  powers  and  duties,  and  term  of  ser¬ 
vice  of  the  Commission  shall  be  determined  by  the  synod  ; 
provided ,  that  judicial  cases  shall  be  referred  only  to  Judi¬ 
cial  Commissions. 

V.  The  synod  shall  convene  at  least  once  in  each  year  ; 
at  the  opening  of  which  a  sermon  shall  be  delivered  byl 
the  moderator,  or,  in  case  of  his  absence,  by  some  other 
member;  and  every  particular  session  shall  be  opened 
and  closed  with  prayer. 

VI.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  synod  to  keep  full  and 
fair  records  of  its  proceedings,  to  submit  them  anuually 
to  the  inspection  of  the  General  Assembly,  paid  to  report 
to  the  Assembly  the  number  of  its  presbyteries,  and  of 
the  members  and  alterations  of  the  presbyteries. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY* 

I.  The  General  Assembly  is  the  highest  judicatory 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  It  shall  represent,  in  one 
body,  all  the  particular  churches  of  this  denomination ; 
and  shall  bear  the  title  of  The  General  Assembly  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America. 

*  The  radical  principles  of  Presbyterian  church  government  and 
discipline  are : — That  the  several  different  congregations  of  believers, 
taken  collectively,  constitute  one  Church  of  Christ,  called  emphatically 
the  Church ;— that  a  larger  part  of  the  church,  or  a  representation  of  it, 
should  govern  a  smaller,  or  determine  matters  of  controversy  which 
arise  therein;— that,  in  like  manner,  a  representation  of  the  whole 
should  govern  and  determine  in  regard  to  every  part,  and  to  all  the 
parts  united;  that  is,  that  a  majority  shall  govern:  and  consequently 
that  appeals  may  be  carried  from  lower  to  higher  judicatories,  till 
they  be  finally  decided  by  the  collected  wisdom  and  united  voice  of 
the  whole  Church.  For  these  principles  and  this  procedure,  the  ex¬ 
ample  of  the  apostles,  and  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Church,  are 
considered  as  authority.  See  Acts  xv.  1-29;  xvi.  4,  and  the  proofs  ad¬ 
duced  under  the  last  three  chapters. 

24 


370 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


II.  The  General  Assembly  shall  consist  of  an  equal 
delegation  of  bishops  and  elders  from  each  presbytery, 
in  the  following  proportion;  viz:  each  presbytery  con¬ 
sisting  of  not  more  than  twenty-four  ministers,  shall 
9end  one  minister  and  one  elder ;  and  each  presbytery 
consisting  of  more  than  twenty-four  ministers,  shall  send 
one  minister  and  one  elder  for  each  additional  twenty - 
four  ministers,  or  for  each  additional  fractional  number 
of  ministers  not  less  than  twelve;  and  these  delegates,  so 
appointed,  shall  be  styled,  Commissioners  to  the  Gene~aJ 
Assembly. 

*  III.  Any  fourteen  or  more  of  these  commissioners,  one- 
half  of  whom  shall  be  ministers,  being  met  on  the  day, 
and  at  the  place  appointed,  shall  be  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business. 

IV.  The  General  Assembly  shall  receive  and  issue  all 
appeals,  complaints,  and  references,  that  affect  the  doc¬ 
trine  or  Constitution  of  the  Church,  and  are  regularly 
brought  before  it  from  the  inferior  judicatories,  provided , 
that  cases  may  be  transmitted  to  Judicial  Commissions 
of  the  General  Assembly  as  prescribed  in  the  Book 
of  Discipline.  The  General  Assembly  shall  review  the 
records  of  every  synod  and  approve  or  censure  them  ; 
it  shall  give  its  advice  and  instruction,  in  all  cases  sub¬ 
mitted  to  it,  in  conformity  with  the  Constitution  of  the 
Church  ;  and  it  shall  constitute  the  bond  of  union,  peace, 
correspondence  and  mutual  confidence  among  all  our 
churches.  The  General  Assembly  may  appoint  an  Exec¬ 
utive  Commission,  of  which  the  moderator  shall  be  chair¬ 
man.  The  number  of  members,  powers  and  duties,  and 
term  of  service  of  the  Commission  shall  be  determined 
by  the  General  Assembly ;  provided ,  that  judicial  cases 
shall  be  referred  only  to  Judicial  Commissions. 

V.  To  the  General  Assembly  also  belongs  the  powei 
of  deciding  in  all  controversies  respecting  doctrine  and 
discipline;  of  reproving,  warning,  or  bearing  testimony 
against  error  in  doctrine,  or  immorality  in  practice,  in 
any  church,  presbytery,  or  synod ;  of  erecting  new  synods 


*  See  Amendments,  p.  39o. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


371 


when  it  may  be  judged  necessary ;  of  superintending  the 
concerns  of  the  whole  Church;  of  corresponding  with 
foreign  Churches,  on  such  terms  as  may  be  agreed  upon 
by  the  Assembly  and  the  corresponding  body  ;  f  sup¬ 
pressing  schismatical  contentions  and  disputati  vns ;  and, 
in  general,  of  recommending  and  attempting  reforma¬ 
tion  of  manners,  and  the  promotion  of  charity,  truth, 
and  holiness,  through  all  the  churches  under  their  care. 

VI.  Before  any  overtures  or  enactments  proposed  by  the 

Assembly  to  be  established  as  rules  regulative  of  the  con¬ 
stitutional  powers  of  presbyteries  and  synods,  shall  be  ob¬ 
ligatory  upon  the  Church,  it  shall  be  necessary  to  transmit 
them  to  all  the  presbyteries,  and  to  receive  the  returns  of 
at  least  a  majority  of  them,  in  writing,  approving  thereof, 
and  such  rules,  when  approved,  shall  be  appended  to  the 
Constitution  of  the  Church.  i 

VII.  The  General  Assembly  shall  meet  at  least  once  in 
every  year.  On  the  day  appointed  for  that  purpose,  the 
Moderator  of  the  last  Assembly,  if  present,  or,  in  case  of 
his  absence,  some  other  minister,  shall  open  the  meet¬ 
ing  with  a  sermon,  and  preside  until  a  new  Moderator  be 
chosen.  No  commissioner  shall  have  a  right  to  deliber¬ 
ate  or  vote  in  the  Assembly,  until  his  name  shall  have 
been  enrolled  by  the  Clerk,  and  his  commission  exam¬ 
ined,  and  filed  among  the  papers  of  the  Assembly. 

VIII.  Each  session  of  the  Assembly  shall  be  opened 
and  closed  with  prayer.  And  the  whole  business  of  the 
Assembly  being  finished,  and  the  vote  taken  for  dissolv¬ 
ing  the  present  Assembly,  the  Moderator  shall  say  from 
the  chair, — “  By  virtue  of  the  authority  delegated  to  me, 
“  by  the  Church,  let  this  General  Assembly  be  dissolved, 
“  and  I  do  hereby  dissolve  it,  and  require  another  General 
“  Assembly,  chosen  in  the  same  manner,  to  meet  at 

“  on  the  day  of  A.  D.  ” — after  which  he  shall 

pray  and  return  thanks,  and  pronounce  on  those  present 
the  apostolic  benediction. 


372 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


CHATTER  XIH. 

OF  ELECTING  AND  ORDAINING  RULING  ELDERS  AND 

DEACONS. 

I.  Having  defined  the  officers  of  the  Church,  and  the 
judicatories  by  which  it  shall  be  governed,  it  is  proper  here 
to  prescribe  the  mode  in  which  ecclesiastical  rulers  should 
be  ordained  to  their  respective  offices,  as  wTell  as  some  of 
the  principles  by  which  they  shall  be  regulated  in  dis¬ 
charging  their  several  duties. 

II.  Every  congregation  shall  elect  persons  to  the  office 
of  ruling  elder,  and  to  the  office  of  deacon,  or  either  of 
them,  in  the  mode  most  approved  and  in  use  in  that  con- 
gregation.A  But  in  all  cases  the  persons  elected  must  be 
male  members  in  full  communion  in  the  church  in  which 
they  are  to  exercise  their  office. 

III.  When  any  person  shall  have  been  elected  to  either 
of  these  offices,  and  shall  have  declared  his  willingness 
to  accept  thereof,  he  shall  be  set  apart  in  the  following 
manner : 

IV.  After  sermon,  the  minister  shall  state,  in  a  concise 
manner,  the  warrant  and  nature  of  the  office  of  ruling 
elder  or  deacon,  together  with  the  character  proper  to 
be  sustained,  and  the  duties  to  be  fulfilled  by  the  officer 
elect;  having  done  this,  he  shall  propose  to  the  candidate, 
in  the  presence  of  the  congregation,  the  following  ques¬ 
tions  : — viz. 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments  to  be  the  Word  of  God,  the  only  infallible 
rule  of  faith  and  practice? 

2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  Confession 
of  Faith  of  this  Church,  as  containing  the  system  of  doc 
trine  taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures? 

3.  Do  you  approve  of  the  government  and  discipline 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  these  United  States? 

4.  Do  you  accept  the  office  of  ruling  elder  (or  deacon 


*  1  Cor.  xiv.  40. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


373 


as  the  case  may  be)  in  this  congregation,  and  promise 

faithfully  to  perform  all  the  duties  thereof? 

5.  Do  you  promise  to  study  the  peace,  unity,  and  purity 
of  the  Church  ? 

The  elder,  or  deacon  elect,  having  answered  these  ques¬ 
tions  in  the  affirmative,  the  minister  shall  address  to  the 
members  of  the  church  the  following  question  : — viz. 

Do  you,  the  members  of  this  church,  acknowledge  and 
receive  this  brother  as  a  ruling  elder  (or  deacon),  and  do 
you  promise  to  yield  him  all  that  honor,  encouragement, 
and  obedience  in  the  Lord,  to  which  his  office,  according 
to  the  Word  of  God,  and  the  constitution  of  this  Church, 
entitles  him? 

The  members  of  the  church  having  answered  this  ques¬ 
tion  in  the  affirmative,  by  holding  up  their  right  hands, 
the  minister  shall  proceed  to  set  apart  the  candidate,  by 
prayer,  to  the  office  of  ruling  elder  (or  deacon,  as  the*  case 
may  be),  and  shall  give  to  him,  and  to  the  congregation, 
an  exhortation  suited  to  the  occasion. 

V.  Where  there  is  an  existing  session,  it  is  proper  that 
the  members  of  that  body,  at  the  close  of  the  sen  ice,  and 
in  the  face  of  the  congregation,  take  the  newly  ordained 
elder  by  the  hand,  saying  in  words  to  this  purpose, — “We 
“give  you  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  to  take  part  of 
“this  office  with  us.” 

VI.  The  offices  of  ruling  elder  and  deacon  aie  both  per¬ 
petual,  and  cannot  be  laid  aside  at  pleasure.  No  person 
can  be  divested  of  either  office  but  by  deposition.  Yet 
an  elder  or  deacon  may  become,  by  age  or  infirmity, 
incapable  of  performing  the  duties  of  his  office;  or  he 
may,  though  chargeable  with  neither  heresy  nor  immor¬ 
ality,  become  unacceptable,  in  his  official  character,  to  a 
majority  of  the  congregation  to  which  he  belongs.  In 
either  of  these  cases,  he  may,  as  often  happens  with  re 
spect  to  a  minister,  cease  to  be  an  acting  elder  or  deacon. 

VII.  Whenever  a  ruling  elder  or  deacon,  from  either 
of  these  causes,  or  from  any  other,  not  inferring  crime, 


*  Acts  vi.  5,  6. 


374 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


shall  be  incapable  of  serving  the  church  to  edification, 
the  session  shall  take  order  on  the  subject,  and  state  the 
fact,  together  with  the  reasons  of  it,  on  their  records. 
Provided  always ,  that  nothing  of  this  kind  shall  be  done 
without  the  concurrence  of  the  individual  in  question, 
unless  by  the  advice  of  presbytery. 

VIII.  If  any  particular  church,  by  a  vote  of  members 
in  full  communion,  shall  prefer  to  elect  ruling  elders  or 
deacons  for  a  limited  time  in  the  exercise  of  their  func¬ 
tions,  this  may  be  done;  provided ,  the  full  time  be  not 
less  than  three  years,  and  the  session  or  board  of  dea¬ 
cons  be  made  to  consist  of  three  classes,  one  of  which 
only  shan  be  elected  every  year;  and  provided that 
elders,  once  ordained,  shall  not  be  divested  of  the  office 
when  they  are  not  re-elected,  but  shall  be  entitled  to  rep¬ 
resent  that  particular  church  in  the  higher  judicatories, 
when  appointed  by  the  session  or  the  presbytery. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

OF  LICENSING  CANDIDATES  OR  PROBATIONERS  TO  PREACH 

THE  GOSPEL. 

I.  The  Holy  Scriptures  require  that  some  trial  be 
previously  had  of  them  who  are  to  be  ordained  to  the 
ministry  of  the  gospel,  that  this  sacred  office  may  not 
be  degraded,  by  being  committed  to  weak  or  unworthy 
men;-*  and  that  the  churches  may  have  an  opportunity 
to  form  a  better  judgment  respecting  the  talents  of  those 
by  whom  they  are  to  be  instructed  and  governed.  For 
this  purpose  presbyteries  shall  license  probationers  to 
preach  the  gospel,  that,  after  a  competent  trial  of  their 
talents,  and  receiving  from  the  churches  a  good  report, 
they  may,  in  due  time,  ordain  them  to  the  sacred  office.* 

II.  Every  candidate  for  licensure  shall  be  taken  on  trials 
by  that  presbytery  to  which  he  most  naturally  belongs ; 


i  1  Tim.  iii.  6.  2  Tim.  ii.  2. 


*  1  Tim.  iii.  7.  3  John  12. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


375 


and  he  shall  be  considered  as  most  natural1. y  belonging 
to  that  presbytery  within  the  bounds  of  which  he  has 
ordinarily  resided.  But  in  case  any  candidate  should 
find  it  more  convenient  to  put  himself  under  the  care 
of  a  presbytery  at  a  distance  from  that  to  which  he  most 
naturally  belongs,  he  may  be  received  by  the  said  presby¬ 
tery,  on  his  producing  testimonials,  either  from  the  pres¬ 
bytery  within  the  bounds  of  which  he  has  commonly 
resided,  or  from  any  two  ministers  of  that  presbytery  in 
good  standing,  of  his  exemplary  piety,  and  other  requi¬ 
site  qualifications. 

III.  It  is  proper  and  requisite  that  candidates  apply¬ 
ing  to  the  presbytery  to  be  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel, 
produce  satisfactory  testimonials  of  their  good  moral  char¬ 
acter,  and  of  their  being  regular  members  of  some  partic¬ 
ular  church.  And  it  is  the  duty  of  the  presbytery,  for 
their  satisfaction  with  regard  to  the  real  piety  of  such 
candidates,  to  examine  them  respecting  their  experimen¬ 
tal  acquaintance  with  religion,  and  the  motives  which 
influence  them  to  desire  the  sacred  office.*  This  exami¬ 
nation  shall  be  close  and  particular,  and,  in  mos:  cases, 
may  best  be  conducted  in  the  presence  of  the  presbytery 
only.  And  it  is  recommended  that  the  candidate  be  also 
required  to  produce  a  diploma  of  bachelor  or  master  of 
arts,  from  some  college  or  university :  or,  at  least,  authen¬ 
tic  testimonials  of  his  having  gone  through  a  regular 
course  of  learning. 

IV.  Because  it  is  highly  reproachful  to  religion,  and 
dangerous  to  the  Church,  to  intrust  the  holy  ministry  to 
weak  and  ignorant  men,”1  the  presbytery  shall  try  each 
candidate,  as  to  his  knowledge  of  the  Latin  language; 
and  the  original  languages  in  which  the  Holy  Scriptures 
were  written.  They  shall  also  examine  him  on  the  arts 
and  sciences ;  on  theology,  natural  and  revealed ;  and  on 
ecclesiastical  history,  the  sacraments,  and  church  govern¬ 
ment.  And  in  order  to  make  trial  of  his  talents  to  explain 


1  Rom.  ii.  21,  in  connection  with  letter  (i),  page  372. 
m  See  letter  (.?),  and  (*),  page  372. 


376 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


and  vindicate,  and  practically  to  enforce,  the  doctrines  of 
the  gospel,  the  presbytery  shall  require  of  him, 

1.  A  Latin  exegesis  on  some  common  head  in  divinity. 

2.  A  critical  exercise ;  in  which  the  candidate  shall  give 
a  specimen  of  his  taste  and  judgment  in  sacred  criticism ; 
presenting  an  explication  of  the  original  text,  stating  its 
connection,  illustrating  its  force  and  beauties,  removing  its 
difficulties,  and  solving  any  important  questions  which  it 
may  present. 

3.  A  lecture,  or  exposition  of  several  verses  of  script¬ 
ure  ;  and, 

4.  A  popular  sermon. 

V.  These,  or  other  similar  exercises,  at  the  discretion  of 
the  presbytery,  shall  be  exhibited  until  they  shall  have 
obtained  satisfaction  as  to  the  candidate’s  piety,  litera¬ 
ture,  and  aptness  to  teach  in  the  churches."  The  lecture 
and  popular  sermon,  if  the  presbytery  think  proper,  may 
be  delivered  in  the  presence  of  a  congregation. 

VI.  That  the  most  effectual  measures  may  be  taken  to 
guard  against  the  admission  of  insufficient  men  into  the 
sacred  office,0  it  is  recommended  that  no  candidate,  ex¬ 
cept  in  extraordinary  cases,  be  licensed,  unless,  after  his 
having  completed  the  usual  course  of  academical  studies, 
he  shall  have  studied  divinity  at  least  two  years,  under 
some  approved  divine  or  professor  of  theology ;  and  no 
candidate  shall  receive  license  to  preach  until  he  has  been 
under  the  care  of  presbytery  for  at  least  one  year,  except 
in  extraordinary  cases  and  by  consent  of  three-fourths  of 
the  members  of  presbytery  present. 

VII.  If  the  presbytery  be  satisfied  with  his  trials,  they 
shall  then  proceed  to  license  him  in  the  following  man¬ 
ner:  The  moderator  shall  propose  to  him  the  following 
questions :  viz. 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments  to  be  the  Word  of  God,  the  only  infallible 
rule  of  faith  and  practice? 


n  1  Tim.  iii.  2.  Apt  to  teach.  See  also  the  foregoing  pnotations. 
9  See  letter  p),  page  372. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


377 


2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  Confession 
of  Faith  of  this  Church,  as  containing  the  system  of  doc¬ 
trine  taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures? 

3.  Do  you  promise  to  study  the  peace,  unity,  and  purity 
of  the  Church  ? 

4.  Do  you  promise  to  submit  yourself,  in  the  Lord,  to 
the  government  of  this  presbytery,  or  of  any  other  pres¬ 
bytery  in  the  bounds  of  which  you  may  he  called? 

VIII.  The  candidate  having  answered  these  questions 
in  the  affirmative,  and  the  moderator  having  offered  up 
a  prayer  suitable  to  the  occasion,  he  shall  address  him¬ 
self  to  the  candidate  to  the  following  purpose: — “In  the 
“name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  by  that  authority 
“  which  he  hath  given  to  the  Church  for  its  edification, 
“  we  do  license  you  to  preach  the  gospel,  wherever  God  in 
“  his  providence  may  call  you :  and  for  this  purpose,  may 
“the  blessing  of  God  rest  upon  you,  and  the  Spirit  of 
“  Christ  fill  your  heart. — Amen  /”  and  record  snail  be 
made  of  the  licensure  in  the  following  or  like  form :  viz. 

At  the  day  of  the  pres¬ 
bytery  of  having  received  testimonials  in  favor 

of  of  his  having  gone  t through  a  regular  course 

of  literature;  of  his  good  moral  character;  and  of  hia 
being  in  the  communion  of  the  Church  :  proceeded  to  take 
the  usual  parts  of  trial  for  his  licensure :  and  he  having 
given  satisfaction  as  to  his  accomplishments  in  literature ; 
as  to  his  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion ;  and  as 
to  his  proficiency  in  divinity  and  other  studies ;  the  pres¬ 
bytery  did,  and  hereby  do,  express  their  approbation  of 
all  these  parts  of  trial :  and  he  having  adopted  the  confes¬ 
sion  of  faith  of  this  church,  and  satisfactorily  answered 
the  questions  appointed  to  be  put  to  candidates  to  be 
licensed ;  the  presbytery  did,  and  hereby  do  license  him, 
the  said  to  preach  the  gospel  of  Christ,  as 

a  probationer  for  the  holy  ministry,  within  the  bounds 
of  this  presbytery,  or  wherever  else  he  shall  be  orderly 
called. 

IX.  When  any  candidate  for  licensure  shall  have  occa- 


378 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT . 


sion,  while  his  trials  are  going  on,  to  remove  from  the 
bounds  of  his  own  presbytery  into  those  of  another,  it 
shall  be  considered  as  regular  for  the  latter  presbytery, 
on  his  producing  proper  testimonials  from  the  former,  to 
take  up  his  trials  at  the  point  at  which  they  were  left,  and 
conduct  them  to  a  conclusion,  in  the  same  manner  as  if 
they  had  been  commenced  by  themselves. 

X.  In  like  manner,  when  any  candidate,  after  licen¬ 
sure,  shall,  by  the  permission  of  his  presbytery,  remove 
without  its  limits,  an  extract  of  the  record  of  his  licen¬ 
sure,  accompanied  with  a  presbvterial  recommendation, 
signed  by  the  clerk,  shall  be  his  testimonials  to  the  pres¬ 
bytery  under  wdiose  care  he  shall  come. 

.  XI.  When  a  licentiate  shall  have  been  preaching  for 
a  considerable  time,  and  his  services  do  not  appear  to 
be  edifying  to  the  churches,  the  presbytery  may,  if  they 
think  proper,  recall  his  license. 


CHAPTER  XY. 

OF  THE  ELECTION  AND  ORDINATION  OF  BISHOPS  OR  PAS¬ 
TORS ,  AND  EVANGELISTS. 

I.  When  any  probationer  shall  have  preached  so  much 
to  the  satisfaction  of  any  congregation,  as  that  the  people 
appear  prepared  to  elect  a  pastor,  the  session  shall  take 
measures  to  convene  them  for  this  purpose :  and  it  shall 
always  be  a  duty  of  the  session  to  convene  them,  when  a 
majority  of  the  persons  entitled  to  vote  in  the  case,  shall, 
by  a  petition,  request  that  a  meeting  may  be  called. 

II.  When  such  a  meeting  is  intended,  the  session  shall 
solicit  the  presence  and  counsel  of  some  neighboring 
minister  to  assist  them  in  conducting  the  election  con¬ 
templated,  unless  highly  inconvenient  on  account  of 
distance;  in  which  case  they  may  proceed  without  such 
assistance. 

III.  On  a  Lord’s  Day,  immediately  after  public  wor 
Bhip,  it  shall  be  intimated  from  the  pulpit,  that  all  the 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


379 


members  of  that  congregation  are  requested  to  meet  on 

ensuing,  at  the  church,  or  usual  place  for 
holding  public  worship;  then  and  there,  if  it  be  agree¬ 
able  to  them,  to  proceed  to  the  election  of  a  pastor  for 
that  congregation. 

IV.  On  the  day  appointed,  the  minister  invited  to  pre¬ 
lude,  if  he  be  present,  shall,  if  it  be  deemed  expedient, 
preach  a  sermon ;  and  after  sermon  he  shall  announce  to 
the  people,  that  he  will  immediately  proceed  to  take  the 
votes  of  the  electors  of  that  congregation,  for  a  pastor, 
if  such  be  their  desire :  and  when  this  desire  shall  be  ex¬ 
pressed  by  a  majority  of  voices,  he  shall  then  proceed  to 
take  votes  accordingly.  In  this  election,  no  person  shall 
be  entitled  to  vote  who  refuses  to  submit  to  the  censures 
of  the  Church,  regularly  administered ;  or  who  does  not 
contribute  his  just  proportion,  according  to  his  own  en¬ 
gagements,  or  the  rules  of  that  congregation,  to  all  its 
necessary  expenses. 

V.  When  the  votes  are  taken,  if  ii  appear  that  a  large 
minority  of  the  people  are  averse  from  the  candidate  who 
has  a  majority  of  votes,  and  cannot  be  induced  to  concur 
in  the  call,  the  presiding  minister  shall  endeavor  to  dis- 
Buade  the  congregation  from  prosecuting  it  further.  But 
if  the  people  be  nearly,  or  entirely,  unanimous;  or  if  the 
majority  shall  insist  upon  their  right  to  call  a  pastor,  the 
presiding  minister,  in  that  case,  after  using  his  utmost  en¬ 
deavors  to  persuade  the  congregation  to  unanimity,  shall 
proceed  to  draw  a  call,  in  due  form,  and  to  have  it  sub¬ 
scribed  by  the  electors;  certifying  at  the  same  time,  in 
writing,  the  number  and  circumstances  of  those  who  do 
not  concur  in  the  call:  all  which  proceedings  shall  be 
laid  before  the  presbytery,  together  with  the  call. 

VI.  The  call  shall  be  in  the  following  or  like  form :  viz. 

The  congregation  of  being,  on  sufficient 

grounds,  well  satisfied  of  the  ministerial  qualifications  of 
you  and  having  good  hopes,  from  oui 

past  experience  of  your  labors,  that  your  ministrations  in 
the  gospel  will  be  profitable  to  our  spiritual  interests,  do 


380 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


earnestly  call  and  desire  you  to  undertake  the  pastoral 
office  in  said  congregation;  promising  you,  in  the  dis¬ 
charge  of  your  duty,  all  proper  support,  encouragement, 
and  obedience  in  the  Lord.  And  that  you  may  be  free 
from  worldly  cares  and  avocations,  we  hereby  promise  and 
oblige  ourselves  to  pay  to  you  the  sum  of 
in  regular  quarterly  (or  half  yearly,  or  yearly)  payments, 
during  the  time  of  your  being  and  continuing  the  regular 
pastor  of  this  church.  In  testimony  whereof,  we  hare 
respectively  subscribed  our  names,  this  day  of 

A.  D. 

Attested  by  A.  B.,  Moderator  of  the  meeting. 

VII.  But  if  any  congregation  shall  choose  to  subscribe 
their  call  by  their  elders  and  deacons,  or  by  their  trustees, 
or  by  a  select  committee,  they  shall  be  at  liberty  to  do  so. 
But  it  shall,  in  such  case,  be  fully  certified  to  the  presby¬ 
tery,  by  the  minister,  or  other  person  who  presided,  that 
the  persons  signing  have  been  appointed,  for  that  purpose, 
by  a  public  vote  of  the  congregation ;  and  that  the  call 
has  been,  in  all  other  respects,  prepared  as  above  directed. 

VIII.  When  a  call  shall  be  presented  to  any  minister 
or  candidate,  it  shall  always  be  viewed  as  a  sufficient  pe¬ 
tition  from  the  people  for  his  installment.  The  accept¬ 
ance  of  a  call,  by  a  minister  or  candidate,  shall  always 
be  considered  as  a  request,  on  his  part,  to  be  installed  at 
the  same  time.  And  when  a  candidate  shall  be  ordained 
in  consequence  of  a  call  from  any  congregation,  the  pres¬ 
bytery  shall,  at  the  same  time,  if  practicable,  install  him 
pastor  of  that  congregation. 

IX.  The  call,  thus  prepared,  shall  be  presented  to  the 
presbytery,  under  whose  care  the  person  called  shall  be; 
that,  if  the  presbytery  think  it  expedient  to  present  the 
call  to  him,  it  may  be  accordingly  presented:  and  no 
minister  or  candidate  shall  receive  a  call  but  through  the 
hands  of  the  presbytery.  No  change  shall  be  made  in  the 
amount  of  salary  stipulated  in  the  call  without  the  con¬ 
sent  of  presbytery,  unless  both  minister  and  congregation 
agree  thereto  ;  and  only  the  congregation,  regularly  assem- 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


381 


bled,  shall  have  power  to  bring  such  a  question  to  the 
attention  of  presbytery. 

X.  If  the  call  be  to  a  licentiate  of  another  presbytery, 
in  that  case  the  commissioners  deputed  from  the  congre¬ 
gation  to  prosecute  the  call,  shall  produce,  to  that  judica¬ 
tory,  a  certificate  from  their  own  presbytery,  regularly 
attested  by  the  moderator  and  clerk,  that  the  call  has  been 
laid  before  them,  and  that  it  is  in  order.  If  that  pres¬ 
bytery  present  the  call  to  their  licentiate,  and  he  be  dis¬ 
posed  to  accept  it,  they  shall  then  dismiss  him  from  theii 
jurisdiction,  and  require  him  to  repair  to  that  presbytery, 
into  the  bounds  of  which  he  is  called ;  and  there  to 
submit  himself  to  the  usual  trials  preparatory  to  ordi¬ 
nation. 

XI.  Trials  for  ordination,  especially  in  a  different  pres¬ 
bytery  from  that  in  which  the  candidate  was  licensed,  shall 
consist  of  a  careful  examination  as  to  his  acquaintance 
with  experimental  religion ;  as  to  his  knowledge  of  phil¬ 
osophy,  theology,  ecclesiastical  history,  the  Greek  and 
Hebrew  languages,  and  such  other  branches  of  learning 
as  to  the  presbytery  may  appear  requisite ;  and  as  to  his 
knowledge  of  the  constitution,  the  rules  and  principles 
of  the  government  and  discipline  of  the  church ;  together 
with  such  written  discourse,  or  discourses,  founded  on  the 
word  of  God,  as  to  the  presbytery  snail  seem  proper/  The 
presbytery,  being  fully  satisfied  with  his  qualifications  for 
the  sacred  office,  shall  appoint  a  day  for  his  ordination, 
which  ought  to  be,  if  convenient,  in  that  church  of  which 
he  is  to  be  the  minister.  It  is  also  recommended  that  a 
fast  day  be  observed  in  the  congregation  previous  to  the 
Jay  of  ordination/ 

XII.  The  day  appointed  for  ordination  being  come, 
and  the  presbytery  convened,  a  member  of  the  presby¬ 
tery,  previously  appointed  to  that  duty,  shall  preach  a 
sermon  adapted  to  the  occasion.  The  same,  or  another 
member  appointed  to  preside,  shall  afterwards  briefly  re- 


p  See  the  proofs  in  sections  1,  2,  3,  4,  of  chapter  iv. 
«  Acts  xiii.  2,  3. 


382 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


cite  from  the  pulpit,  in  the  audience  of  the  people,  the 
proceedings  of  the  presbytery  preparatory  to  this  trans¬ 
action  :  he  shall  point  out  the  nature  and  importance  of 
the  ordinance;  and  endeavor  to  impress  the  audience 
with  a  proper  sense  of  the  solemnity  of  the  transaction. 

Then, addressing  himself  to  the  candidate,  he  shall  pro- 
r  ose  to  him  the  following  questions,  viz. : 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments  to  be  the  Word  of  God,  the  only  infallible  ruW 
of  faith  and  practice  ?r 

2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  Confession 
of  Faith  of  this  Church,  as  containing  the  system  of  doc¬ 
trine  taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures?5 

3.  Do  vou  approve  of  the  government  and  discipline 
of  the  Fresbvterian  Church  in  these  United  States?* 

y 

4.  Do  you  promise  subjection  to  your  brethren  in  the 
Lord  ?  u 

5.  Have  you  been  induced,  as  far  as  you  know  your 
own  heart,  to  seek  the  office  of  the  holy  ministry  from 
love  to  God,  and  a  sincere  desire  to  promote  his  glory  iu 
the  gospel  of  his  Son?* 

6.  Do  you  promise  to  be  zealous  and  faithful  in  main¬ 
taining  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  the  purity  and  peace 
of  the  Church;  whatever  persecution  or  opposition  may 
arise  unto  you  on  that  account  ?** 

7.  Do  you  engage  to  be  faithful  and  diligent  in  the 
exercise  of  all  private  and  personal  duties,  which  become 
vou  as  a  Christian  and  a  minister  of  the  gospel ;  as  well 
as  in  all  relative  duties,  and  the  public  duties  of  your 
office ;  endeavoring  to  adorn  the  profession  of  the  gospel 
by  your  conversation  ;  and  walking  with  exemplary  piety 
before  the  flock  over  which  God  shall  make  you  overseer?* 

8.  Are  you  now  willing  to  take  the  charge  of  this  con¬ 
gregation,  agreeably  to  your  declaration  at  accepting  then 

*  2  Tim.  iii.  16.  Epli.  ii.  20.  a  2  Tim.  i.  13. 

*  See  letter  (*)  above.  M1  Pet.  v.  5. 

*  1  Cor.  ii.  2.  2  Cor.  iv.  5.  »  Acts  xx.  17  to  31. 

*  See  the  epistles  to  Timothy  and  Titus  throughout. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


383 


call  ?  And  do  you  promise  to  discharge  the  duties  of  a 
pastor  to  them,  as  God  shall  give  you  strength  ?y 

XIII.  rHie  candidate  having  answered  these  questions 
in  the  afli  .native,  the  presiding  minister  shall  propose  to 
the  people  the  following  questions: — 

1.  Do  you,  ihe  people  of  this  congregation,  continue  to 
profess  your  readiness  to  receive 

whom  you  have  called  to  be  your  minister? 

2.  Do  you  promise  to  receive  the  word  of  truth  fron 
his  mouth,  with  meekness  and  love;  and  to  submit  t« 
him  in  the  due  exercise  of  discipline?* 

3.  Do  you  promise  to  encourage  him  in  his  arduous 
labor,  and  to  assist  his  endeavors  for  your  instruction 
and  spiritual  edification?0 

4.  And  do  you  engage  to  continue  to  him,  while  he  is 
your  pastor,  that  competent  worldly  maintenance  which 
you  have  promised;  and  whatever  else  you  may  see 
needful  for  the  honor  of  religion,  and  his  comfort  among 
you  ?6 

XIV.  The  people  having  answered  those  questions  in 
the  affirmative,  by  holding  up  their  right  hands,  the  can¬ 
didate  shall  kneel  down  in  the  most  convenient  part  of 
the  church.  Then  the  presiding  minister  shall,  by  prayer,* 
and  with  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  presbytery/ 
according  to  the  apostolic  example,  solemnly  ordain  him 
to  the  holy  office  of  the  gospel  ministry.  Prayer  being 
ended,  he  shall  rise  from  his  knees ;  and  the  minister  who 
presides  shall  first,  and  afterward  all  the  members  of  the 
presbytery  in  their  order,  take  him  by  the  right  hand,  say¬ 
ing,  in  words  to  this  purpose,  “  We  give  you  the  right  hand 
“of  fellowship,  to  take  part  of  this  ministry  with  us.”' 
After  which  the  minister  presiding,  or  some  other  ap¬ 
pointed  for  the  purpose,  shall  give  a  solemn  charge  in 
the  name  of  God,  to  the  newly  ordained  bishop/  and  to 

y  1  Pet.  v.  2.  z  James  i.  21.  Heb.  xiii.  17. 

a  1  Thess.  v.  12, 13  h  1  Cor.  ix.  7  to  15. 

c  Acts  xiii.  2,  3.  d  1  Tim.  iv.  14. 

e  Gal  ii.  9.  Acts  i.  25.  f  2  Tim.  iv.  1,  2. 


384 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


tlie  people,5'  to  persevere  in  the  discharge  of  their  mutual 
duties ;  and  shall  then,  by  prayer,  recommend  them  both 
to  the  grace  of  God,  and  his  holy  keeping,  and  finally, 
after  singing  a  psalm,  shall  dismiss  the  congregation  with 
the  usual  blessing.  And  the  presbytery  shall  duly  record 
the  transaction. 

XV.  As  it  is  sometimes  desirable  and  important  that  a 
candidate  who  has  not  received  a  call  to  be  the  pastor  of  a 
particular  congregation,  should,  nevertheless,  be  ordained 
to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  as  an  evangelist  tc 
preach  the  gospel,  administer  sealing  ordinances,  and 
organize  churches,  in  frontier  or  destitute  settlements; 
in  this  case,  the  last  of  the  preceding  questions  shall  b*' 
omitted,  and  the  following  used  as  a  substitute: — viz. 

Are  you  now  willing  to  undertake  the  work  of  an  evan¬ 
gelist  ;  and  do  you  promise  to  discharge  the  duties  which 
may  be  incumbent  on  you  in  this  character  as  God  shall 
give  wou  strength  ? 

XVI.  Ministers  connected  with  other  denominations 
applying  for  membership  in  a  presbytery,  shall  submit 
satisfactory  evidence  of  possessing  the  qualifications  of 
character  and  scholarship  required  of  candidates  and 
licentiates  of  this  Church  ;  shall  be  examined  in  theology, 
and  in  the  discretion  of  presbytery  in  other  subjects,  and 
shall  answer  in  the  affirmative  questions  1  to  8,  contained 
in  section  xii.  of  this  chapter. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

OF  TRANSLATION,  OR  REMOVING  A  MINISTER  FROM  ONE 

CHARGE  TO  ANOTHER. 

I.  No  bishop  shall  be  translated  from  one  church  to 
another,  nor  shall  he  receive  any  call  for  that  purpose, 
but  by  the  permission  of  the  presbytery. 

II.  Any  church,  desiring  to  call  a  settled  minister  from 


v  Mark  iv.  24.  Heb.  ii.  1.  See  also  letters  (v)  and  (*),  page  383 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


385 


liis  present  charge,  shall,  by  commissioners  properly  au¬ 
thorized,  represent  to  the  presbytery  the  ground  on  which 
they  plead  his  removal.  The  presbytery,  having  maturely 
considered  their  plea,  may,  according  as  it  appears  more 
or  less  reasonable,  either  recommend  to  them  to  desist 
from  prosecuting  the  call,  or  may  order  it  to  be  delivered 
to  the  minister  to  whom  it  is  directed.  If  the  parties  be 
not  prepared  to  have  the  matter  issued  at  that  presby¬ 
tery,  a  written  citation  shall  be  given  to  the  minister  and 
his  congregation,  to  appear  before  the  presbytery  at  their 
next  meeting.  This  citation  shall  be  read  from  the  pulpit 
in  that  church,  by  a  member  of  the  presbytery  appointed 
for  that  purpose,  immediately  after  public  worship;  so 
that  at  least  two  Sabbaths  shall  intervene  betwixt  the 
citation  and  the  meeting  of  the  presbytery  at  which  the 
cause  of  translation  is  to  be  considered.  The  presbytery 
being  met,  and  having  heard  the  parties,  shall,  upon  the 
whole  view  of  the  case,  either  continue  him  in  his  former 
charge,  or  translate  him,  as  they  shall  deem  to  be  most 
for  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  church ;  or  refer  the 
whole  affair  to  the  synod  at  their  next  meeting,  for  their 
advice  and  direction. 

III.  When  the  congregation  calling  any  settled  minis¬ 
ter  is  within  the  limits  of  another  presbytery,  that  congre¬ 
gation  shall  obtain  leave  from  the  presbytery  to  which 
they  belong,  to  apply  to  the  presbytery  of  which  he  is  a 
member ;  and  that  presbytery,  having  cited  him  and  his 
congregation  as  before  directed,  shall  proceed  to  hear  and 
issue  the  cause.  If  they  agree  to  the  translation,  thev 
shall  release  him  from  his  present  charge ;  and  having 
given  him  proper  testimonials,  shall  require  him  to  repaii 
to  that  presbytery,  within  the  bounds  of  which  the  con¬ 
gregation  calling  him  lies,  that  the  proper  steps  may  be 
taken  for  his  regular  settlement  in  that  congregation :  and 
the  presbytery  to  which  the  congregation  belongs,  having 
received  an  authenticated  certificate  of  his  release,  unde/ 
die  hand  of  the  clerk  of  that  presbytery,  shall  proceed  to 
install  him  in  the  congregation,  as  soon  as  convenient 
25 


386 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


Provided  always,  that  no  bishop  or  pastor  shall  be  trans. 
lated  without  his  own  consent  previously  obtained. 

IV.  When  any  minister  is  to  be  settled  in  a  congrega¬ 
tion,  the  installment,  which  consists  in  constituting  a  pas¬ 
toral  relation  between  him  and  the  people  of  that  particu¬ 
lar  church,  may  be  performed  either  by  the  presbytery,  or 
by  a  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  as  may  appear 
most  expedient :  and  the  following  order  shall  be  observed 
therein : 

V.  A  day  shall  be  appointed  for  the  installment  at  such 
time  as  may  appear  most  convenient,  and  due  notice 
thereof  given  to  the  congregation. 

VI.  When  the  presbytery,  or  committee,  shall  be  con¬ 
vened  and  constituted,  on  the  day  appointed,  a  sermon 
shall  be  delivered  by  some  one  of  the  members  previously 
appointed  thereto ;  immediately  after  which,  the  bishop 
who  is  to  preside  shall  state  to  the  congregation  the  design 
of  their  meeting,  and  briefly  recite  the  proceedings  of  the 
presbytery  relative  thereto.  And  then,  addressing  him¬ 
self  to  the  minister  to  be  installed,  shall  propose  to  him 
the  following  or  similar  questions : 

1 .  Are  you  now  willing  to  take  the  charge  of  this  con¬ 
gregation,  as  their  pastor,  agreeably  to  your  declaration 
at  accepting  their  call? 

2.  Do  you  conscientiously  believe  and  declare,  as  fai 
as  you  know  your  own  heart,  that  in  taking  upon  you 
this  charge,  you  are  influenced  by  a  sincere  desire  to  pro 
mote  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  his  Church  ? 

3.  Do  you  solemnly  promise,  that,  by  the  assistance  of 
the  grace  of  God,  you  will  endeavor  faithfully  to  dis¬ 
charge  all  the  duties  of  a  pastor  to  this  congregation,  and 
will  be  careful  to  maintain  a  deportment  in  all  respect* 
becoming  a  minister  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  agreeably  tc 
your  ordination  engagements? 

To  all  these  having  received  satisfactory  answers,  he 
shall  propose  to  the  people  the  same  or  like  questions  as 
those  directed  under  the  head  of  ordination ;  which,  hav¬ 
ing  been  also  satisfactorily  answered,  by  holding  up  the 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


387 


right  hand  in  testimony  of  assent,  he  shall  solemnly  pro¬ 
nounce  and  declare  the  said  minister  to  be  regularly  con¬ 
stituted  the  pastor  of  that  congregation.  A  charge  shall 
then  be  given  to  both  parties,  as  directed  in  the  case  of 
ordination ;  and,  after  prayer,  and  singing  a  psalm  adapted 
to  the  transaction,  the  congregation  shall  be  dismissed  with 
the  usual  benediction. 

VII.  It  is  highly  becoming,  that,  after  the  solemnity  ol 
the  installment,  the  heads  of  families  of  that  congrega¬ 
tion  who  are  then  present,  or  at  least  the  elders,  and 
those  appointed  to  take  care  of  the  temporal  concerns  of 
that  church,  should  come  forward  to  their  pastor,  and 
give  him  their  right  hand,  in  token  of  cordial  reception 
and  affectionate  regard. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

OF  RESIGNING  A  PASTORAL  CHARGE. 

I.  When  any  minister  shall  labor  under  such  grievances 
in  his  congregation,  as  that  he  shall  desire  leave  to  resign 
his  pastoral  charge,  the  presbytery  shall  cite  the  congre¬ 
gation  to  appear,  by  their  commissioners,  at  their  next 
meeting,  to  show  cause,  if  any  they  have,  why  the  pres¬ 
bytery  should  not  accept  the  resignation.  If  the  congre¬ 
gation  fail  to  appear,  or  if  their  reasons  for  retaining 
their  pastor  be  deemed  by  the  presbytery  insufficient,  lie 
shall  have  leave  granted  to  resign  his  pastoral  charge,  oi 
which  due  record  shall  be  made;  and  that  church  shall 
be  held  to  be  vacant,  till  supplied  again,  in  an  orderly 
manner,  with  another  minister :  and  if  any  congregatior 
shall  desire  to  be  released  from  their  pastor,  a  simila? 
process,  mutatis  mutandis ,  shall  be  observed. 


388 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


II.  When  any  minister  shall  resign  his  charge  by  reason 
of  age  or  incapacity  for  further  labor,  and  the  congrega¬ 
tion  shall  be  moved  by  affectionate  regard  for  his  person 
and  gratitude  for  his  ministry  among  them,  to  desire  that 
he  should  continue  to  be  associated  with  them  in  an  hon¬ 
orary  relation,  they  may,  at  a  regularly  called  meeting, 
elect  him  as  pastor  emeritus,  with  or  without  salary,  but 
with  no  pastoral  authority  or  duty.  This  action  shall  be 
subject  to  the  approval  of  presbytery,  and  shall  take  effect 
upon  the  formal  dissolution  of  the  pastoral  relation. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

OF  MISSIONS. 

When  vacancies  become  so  numerous  in  any  presby¬ 
tery  that  they  cannot  be  supplied  with  the  frequent  admin¬ 
istration  of  the  word  and  ordinances,  it  shall  be  proper  for 
Buch  presbytery,  or  any  vacant  congregation  within  their 
bounds,  with  the  leave  of  the  presbytery,  to  apply  to 
any  other  presbytery,  or  to  any  synod,  or  to  the  General 
Assembly,  for  such  assistance  as  they  can  afford.  And, 
when  any  presbytery  shall  send  any  of  their  ministers  or 
probationers  to  distant  vacancies,  the  missionary  shall  be 
ready  to  produce  his  credentials  to  the  presbytery  or  pres¬ 
byteries,  through  the  bounds  of  which  he  may  pass,  or  a\ 
least  to  a  committee  thereof,  and  obtain  their  approba¬ 
tion.  And  the  General  Assembly  may,  of  their  own 
knowledge,  send  missions  to  any  part  to  plant  churches, 
or  to  supply  vacancies :  and,  for  this  purpose,  may  direct 
any  presbytery  to  ordain  evangelists,  or  ministers  with¬ 
out  relation  to  particular  churches :  provided  always,  that 
such  missions  be  made  with  the  consent  of  the  parties  ap¬ 
pointed  ;  and  that  the  judicatory  sending  them,  make  the 
necessary  provision  for  their  support  and  reward  in  the 
performance  of  this  service. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


389 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

OF  MODERATORS. 

I.  It  is  equally  necessary  in  the  judicatories  of  the 
Church,  as  in  other  assemblies,  that  there  should  l»e  a 
moderator  or  president;  that  the  business  may  be  con¬ 
ducted  with  order  and  despatch. 

II.  The  moderator  is  to  be  considered  as  possessing,  by 
delegation  from  the  whole  body,  all  authority  necessary 
for  the  preservation  of  order;  for  convening  and  adjourn¬ 
ing  the  judicatory ;  and  directing  its  operations  according 
to  the  rules  of  the  church.  He  is  to  propose  to  the  judi¬ 
catory  every  subject  of  deliberation  that  comes  before 
them.  He  may  propose  what  appears  to  him  the  most 
regular  and  speedy  way  of  bringing  any  business  to  issue. 
He  shall  prevent  the  members  from  interrupting  each 
other ;  and  require  them,  in  speaking,  always  to  address 
the  chair.  He  shall  prevent  a  speaker  from  deviating 
from  the  subject ;  and  from  using  personal  reflections. 
He  shall  silence  those  who  refuse  to  obey  order.  He 
shall  prevent  members  who  attempt  to  leave  the  judica¬ 
tory  without  leave  obtained  from  him.  He  shall,  at  a 
proper  season,  when  the  deliberations  are  ended,  put  the 
question  and  call  the  votes.  If  the  judicatory  be  equally 
divided,  he  shall  possess  the  casting  vote.  If  he  be  not 
willing  to  decide,  he  shall  put  the  question  a  second  time ; 
and  if  the  judicatory  be  again  equally  divided,  and  he  de¬ 
cline  to  give  his  vote,  the  question  shall  be  lost.  In  all 
questions  he  shall  give  a  concise  and  clear  state  of  the 
object  of  the  vote;  and  the  vote  being  taken,  shall  then 
declare  how  the  question  is  decided.  And  he  shall  like¬ 
wise  be  empowered,  on  any  extraordinary  emergency,  to 
convene  the  judicatory,  by  his  circular  letter,  before  the 
ordinary  time  of  meeting.  He  shall  also  serve  until  his 
successor  be  inducted  into  office,  and  may  perform  such 
administrative  duties  as  may  be  assigned  to  him  by  the 
judicatory. 


390 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


III.  The  moderator  of  the  presbytery  shall  be  chosen 
from  year  to  year,  or  at  every  meeting  of  the  presbytery, 
as  the  presbytery  may  think  best.  The  moderator  of  the 
synod,  and  of  the  General  Assembly,  shall  be  ch  osen  at 
each  meeting  of  those  judicatories:  and  the  moderator, 
or,  in  case  of  his  absence,  another  member  appointed  foi 
th“  purpose,  shall  open  the  next  meeting  with  a  sermon, 
a>  I  shall  hold  the  chair  till  a  new  moderator  be  chosen. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

OF  CLERKS. 

Every  judicatory  shall  choose  a  clerk,  to  record  their 
transactions,  whose  continuance  shall  be  during  pleasure. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  clerk,  besides  recording  the 
transactions,  to  preserve  the  records  carefully;  and  tc 
grant  extracts  from  them,  whenever  properly  required: 
and  such  extracts,  under  the  hand  of  the  clerk,  shall  be 
considered  as  authentic  vouchers  of  the  fact  which  they 
declare,  in  any  ecclesiastical  judicatory,  and  to  every  part 
of  the  Church. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

OF  VACANT  CONGREGATIONS  ASSEMBLING  FOR  PUBLIC 

WORSHIP. 

I.  Considering  the  great  importance  of  weekly  assem¬ 
bling  the  people,  for  the  public  worship  of  God,  in  order 
thereby  to  improve  their  knowledge;  to  confirm  their 
habits  of  worship,  and  their  desire  of  the  public  ordi¬ 
nances;  to  augment  their  reverence  for  the  most  high 
God  ;  and  to  promote  the  charitable  affections  which  unite 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


391 


men  most  firmly  in  society :  it  is  recommended,  that  every 
vacant  congregation  meet  together,  on  the  Lord’s  Day,  at 
one  or  more  places,  for  the  purpose  of  prayer,  singing 
praises,  and  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures,  together  with 
the  works  of  such  approved  divines,  as  the  presbytery 
within  whose  bounds  they  are  may  recommend,  and  thej 
may  be  able  to  procure;  and  that  the  elders  or  deacons 
be  the  persons  who  shall  preside,  and  select  the  portions 
of  Scripture,  and  of  the  other  books  to  be  read ;  and  to 
see  that  the  whole  be  conducted  in  a  becoming  and  or¬ 
derly  manner. 

II.  Every  presbytery  shall  arrange  for  the  supply  of  the 
vacant  pulpits  within  its  bounds  either  by  direct  action  at 
a  meeting  or  through  a  committee.  The  session  of  a  vacant 
church  may  receive  leave  to  supply  the  pulpit  for  a  period 
to  be  fixed  by  presbytery,  subject  to  the  limitation  con¬ 
tained  in  the  fourth  section  of  this  chapter. 

III.  Ministers,  licentiates,  and  local  evangelists  con¬ 
nected  with  the  presbyteries  of  this  Church,  shall  be  the 
only  persons  to  be  employed  as  regular  supplies  in  vacant 
churches.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  ministers  not  engaged 
in  regular  church  work  to  render  service  in  vacant  congre¬ 
gations  within  the  bounds  of  their  respective  presbyteries, 
unless  excused  by  act  of  presbytery.  Ministers  of  other 
denominations  in  correspondence  with  this  General  As¬ 
sembly  may  be  employed  as  occasional  supplies. 

IV.  When  the  pulpit  of  any  congregation  has  been 
vacant  for  a  longer  period  than  twelve  months,  the  ap¬ 
pointment  of  ministers  for  the  pulpit  shall  be  made  by  the 
presbytery,  and  shall  continue  to  be  so  made  until  a  pastor 
has  been  elected  by  the  congregation  and  duly  installed  by 
the  presbytery. 


392 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT . 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

OF  COMMISSIONERS  TO  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY . 

I.  The  commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly  shall 
always  be  appointed  by  the  presbytery  from  which  they 
come,  at  its  last  stated  meeting,  immediately  preceding 
the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly ;  provided,  that 
there  be  a  sufficient  interval  between  that  time  and  the 
meeting  of  the  Assembly,  for  their  commissioners  to  at¬ 
tend  to  their  duty  in  due  season  ;  otherwise,  the  presbytery 
may  make  the  appointment  at  any  stated  meeting,  not 
more  than  seven  months  preceding  the  meeting  of  the 
Assembly.  And  as  much  as  possible  to  prevent  all  fail¬ 
ure  in  the  representation  of  the  presbyteries,  arising  from 
unforeseen  accidents  to  those  first  appointed,  it  may  be 
expedient  for  each  presbytery,  in  the  room  of  each  com¬ 
missioner,  to  appoint  also  an  alternate  commissioner  to 
supply  his  place,  in  case  of  necessary  absence. 

II.  Each  commissioner,  before  his  name  shall  be  en¬ 
rolled  as  a  member  of  the  Assembly,  shall  produce  from 
his  presbytery,  a  commission  under  the  hand  of  the  mod¬ 
erator  and  clerk,  in  the  following,  or  like  fonn — viz. 

“  The  presbytery  of  being  met  at 

“  on  the  day  of  doth  hereby  appoint 

“  bishop  of  the  congregation  of  [or 

“  ruling  elder  in  the  congregation  of  as  the  case 

‘may  be;”]  (to  which  the  presbytery  may,  if  they  think 
proper,  make  a  substitution  in  the  following  form)  “  or  in 
“  case  of  his  absence,  then  bishop  of  the  congre- 

“  gation  of  *  [or  ruling  elder  in  the  congre- 

“  gation  of  as  the  case  may  be :]  to  be  a  commis¬ 

sioner,  on  behalf  of  this  presbytery,  to  the  next  General 
“Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
“  States  of  America,  to  meet  at  on  the 

“  day  of  A.  D.  or  wherever,  and  whenever 

“  the  said  Assembly  may  happen  to  sit ;  to  consult,  vote, 
“  and  determine,  on  all  things  that  may  come  before  that 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


393 


u  body,  according  to  the  principles  and  constitution  of 
“  this  Church,  and  the  Word  of  God.  And  of  his  dili- 
“  gence  herein,  he  is  to  render  an  account  at  his  return. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  Presbytery ,  . 

Moderator , 
Clerk  N 

And  the  presbytery  shall  make  record  of  the  appoint¬ 
ment. 

III.  In  order,  as  far  as  possible,  to  procure  a  respectable 
and  full  delegation  to  all  our  judicatories,  it  is  proper  that 
the  expenses  of  ministers  and  elders  in  their  attendance  on 
these  judicatories,  be  defrayed  by  the  bodies  which  they 
respectively  represent. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

OF  THE  ORGANIZATIONS  OF  THE  CHURCH:  THEIR  RIGHTS 

AND  DUTIES. 

I.  The  members  of  a  particular  church  or  particular 
churches  may  associate  together,  and  may  associate  with 
themselves  other  regular  members  of  the  congregation  or 
congregations,  under  regular  forms  of  association,  for 
the  conduct  of  a  special  work  for  missionary  or  other  be¬ 
nevolent  purposes,  or  for  the  purpose  of  instruction  in 
religion  and  development  in  Christian  nurture. 

II.  Where  special  organizations  of  the  character  above 
indicated  exist  in  a  particular  church,  they  shall  be  under 
the  immediate  direction,  control,  and  oversight  of  the 
session  of  said  church ;  where  they  cover  the  territory 
included  within  a  presbytery  or  synod,  they  shall  be  re¬ 
sponsible  to  the  judicatory  having  jurisdiction  ;  and  where 
they  cover  territory  greater  than  a  synod,  they  shall  be 
responsible  to  the  General  Assembly. 

III.  The  names  or  titles  of  special  organizations  may 
be  chosen  by  themselves,  and  the  organizations  shall  have 
power  to  adopt  each  its  own  constitution  and  to  elect  its 


394 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 


own  officers,  subject  always  to  the  powers  of  review  and 
control  vested  by  the  Constitution  in  the  several  judica¬ 
tories  of  the  Church. 

IV.  Whenever  the  functions  of  the  special  organizations 
shall  include  the  collecting  and  distributing  of  moneys 
for  benevolent  work,  it  shall  be  done  always  subject  to  the 
power  of  oversight  and  direction  vested  by  the  Constitu¬ 
tion  in  the  session  and  in  the  higher  judicatories. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

OF  AMENDMENTS. 

I.  Amendments  or  alterations  of  the  Form  of  Govern¬ 
ment,  Book  of  Discipline,  and  Directory  for  Worship,  may 
be  proposed  by  the  General  Assembly  to  the  presbyteries, 
but  shall  not  be  obligatory  on  the  Church  unless  a  major¬ 
ity  of  all  the  presbyteries  approve  thereof  in  writing. 

II.  Amendments  or  alterations  of  the  Confession  of 
Faith,  and  the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  may  be 
proposed  to  the  presbyteries  by  the  General  Assembly, 
but  shall  not  be  obligatory  on  the  Church  unless  they 
shall  be  approved  in  writing  by  two-thirds  of  all  the 
presbyteries,  and  agreed  to  and  enacted  by  the  General 
Assembly  next  ensuing,  and  the  written  votes  of  the 
presbyteries  shall  be  returned  to  that  Assembly. 

III.  Before  any  amendments  or  alterations  of  the  Con¬ 
fession  of  Faith,  or  the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms, 
proposed  by  the  General  Assembly,  shall  be  transmitted 
to  the  presbyteries,  the  General  Assembly  shall  appoint — 
to  consider  the  subject — a  committee  of  ministers  and 
ruling  elders,  in  number  not  less  than  fifteen,  of  whom 
not  more  than  two  shall  be  from  any  one  synod,  and  the 
committee  shall  report  its  recommendations  to  the  Gen 
eral  Assembly  next  ensuing,  for  action. 

IV.  No  alterations  of  the  provisions  contained  in  thh> 
chapter  for  amending  or  altering  the  Confession  of  Faith, 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT . 


395 


and  the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  or  of  this  fourth 

section,  shall  be  made,  unless  an  Overture  from  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly,  submitting  the  proposed  alterations,  shall 
be  transmitted  to  all  the  presbyteries,  and  be  approved  in 
writing  by  two-thirds  of  their  number,  and  be  agreed  to 
and  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly. 

V.  It  shall  be  obligatory  on  the  General  Assembly  to 
transmit  to  the  presbyteries,  for  approval  or  disapproval, 
any  Overture  respecting  amendments  or  alterations  pro¬ 
vided  for  in  this  chapter,  which  shall  be  submitted  to  the 
same  General  Assembly  by  one- third  of  all  the  presby¬ 
teries.  In  such  cases  the  Overture  shall  be  formulated 
and  transmitted  by  the  General  Assembly  receiving  the 
same  to  the  presbyteries  for  their  action,  subject,  as  to  all 
subsequent  proceedings,  to  the  provisions  of  the  foregoing 
sections. 

VI.  Whenever  it  shall  appear  to  the  General  Assembly 
that  any  proposed  amendments  or  alterations  of  the  Form 
of  Government,  Book  of  Discipline,  and  Directory  foi 
Worship,  shall  have  received  a  majority  vote  of  all  the 
presbyteries,  the  General  Assembly  shall  declare  such 
amendments  or  alterations  to  have  been  adopted,  and  the 
same  shall  immediately  go  into  effect. 

VII.  Nothing  in  this  chapter  shall  be  so  construed  as  to 
affect  the  right  of  two-thirds  of  the  presbyteries  to  propose 
amendments  or  alterations  of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and 
the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  ot  of  the  General  As- 
sembly  to  agree  to  and  enact  the  same. 


AMENDMENTS. — Form  of  Government. 

CHAPTER  XI.— Of  the  Synod. 

Section  IV.,  insert  after  the  words  “  to  erect  new  Presbyter¬ 
ies,  and  to  unite  or  divide  those  which  were  before  erected,” 
the  additional  words,  “subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Gen¬ 
eral  Assembly.”  (See  Minutes,  1910,  p.  242.) 

CHAPTER  XII.— Of  the  General  Assembly. 

Section  III.,  strike  out  the  word  “  fourteen,”  and  insert  in 
its  stead  the  words  “one  hundred.”  (Seeil/f/mtes,1910,p.244.) 


THE 


BOOK  OF  DISCIPLINE. 

Adopted,  1884. 

Amended,  1885-1902. 


CHAPTER  I. 

OF  DISCIPLINE:  ITS  NATURE ,  ENDS,  AND  SUBJECTS: 

1.  Discipline  is  the  exercise  of  that  authority,  and 
the  application  of  that  system  of  laws,  which  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  has  appointed  in  his  Church:  embracing 
the  care  and  control,  maintained  by  the  Church,  over 
its  members,  officers,  and  judicatories. 

2.  The  ends  of  Discipline  are  the  maintenance  of  the 
truth,  the  vindication  of  the  authority  and  honor  of 
Christ,  the  removal  of  offences,  the  promotion  of  the 
purity  and  edification  of  the  Church,  and  the  spiritual 
good  of  offenders.  Its  exercise,  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
secure  its  appropriate  ends,  requires  much  prudence  and 
discretion.  Judicatories,  therefore,  should  take  into  con¬ 
sideration  all  the  circumstances  which  may  give  a  dif¬ 
ferent  character  to  conduct,  and  render  it  more  or  less 
offensive;  and  which  may  require  different  action,  in 
similar  cases,  at  different  times,  for  the  attainment  of 
the  same  ends. 

3.  An  offence  is  anything,  in  the  doctrine,  principles,  or 
practice  of  a  church  member,  officer, or  judicatory,  which 
is  contrary  to  the  Word  of  God;  or  which,  if  it  be  not 
in  its  own  nature  sinful,  may  tempt  others  to  sin,  or  mar 
their  spiritual  edification. 

4.  Nothing  shall,  therefore,  be  the  object  of  judicial 
process,  which  cannot  be  proved  to  be  contrary  to  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  or  to  the  regulations  and  practice  of  the 

397 


398 


DISCIPLINE. 


Church  founded  thereon ;  nor  anything  which  does  not  in¬ 
volve  those  evils  which  Discipline  is  intended  to  prevent. 

5.  Every  case  in  which  there  is  a  charge  of  an  offense 
against  a  church  member  or  officer,  shall  be  known,  in  its 
original  and  appellate  stages,  as  a  judicial  case.  Every  other 
case  shall  be  known  as  a  non-judicial  or  administrative  case, 

6.  All  children  born  within  the  pale  of  the  visible 
Church  are  members  of  the  Church,  are  to  be  baptized, 
are  under  the  care  of  the  Church,  and  subject  to  its  gov¬ 
ernment  and  discipline;  and  when  they  have  arrived  at 
years  of  discretion,  they  are  bound  to  perform  all  the 
duties  of  church  members. 


CHAPTER  II. 

OF  THE  PARTIES  IN  CASES  OF  PROCESS. 

7.  Process  against  an  alleged  offender  shall  not  be 
commenced  unless  some  person  undertakes  to  sustain  the 
charge;  or  unless  a  judicatory  finds  it  necessary  for  the 
ends  of  discipline  to  investigate  the  alleged  offence. 

8.  An  offence,  gross  in  itself,  may  have  been  committed 
in  such  circumstances,  that  plainly  the  offender  cannot 
be  prosecuted  to  conviction.  In  all  such  cases,  it  is  bet¬ 
ter  to  wait  until  God,  in  his  righteous  providence,  shall 
give  further  light,  than,  by  unavailing  prosecution,  to 
weaken  the  force  of  discipline. 

9.  No  prosecution  shall  be  allowed  in  a  case  of  alleged 
personal  injury,  where  the  injured  party  is  the  prosecu¬ 
tor,  unless  those  means  of  reconciliation  have  been  tried, 
which  are  required  by  our  Lord,  Matthew  xviii.  15-17 : 
“  If  thy  brother  shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and  tell 
him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him  alone :  if  he  shall 
hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  But  if  he  will 
not  hear  thee,  then  take  with  thee  one  or  two  more,  that 
in  the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses  every  word  may 


DISCIPLINE. 


399 


be  established.  And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell 
it  unto  the  church.” 

10.  The  course  prescribed  by  the  preceding  section  shall 
not  be  required  when  the  prosecution  is  initiated  by  a 
judicatory;  but  in  all  such  cases,  and  in  every  case  of 
prosecution  by  a  private  person  other  than  the  injured 
party,  effort  should  be  made,  by  private  conference  with  the 
accused,  to  avoid,  if  possible,  the  necessity  of  actual  process. 

11.  When  the  prosecution  is  initiated  by  a  judicatory, 
THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES 
of  America  shall  be  the  prosecutor,  and  an  original 
party ;  in  all  other  cases,  the  individual  prosecutor  shall 
be  an  original  party. 

12.  When  the  prosecution  is  initiated  by  a  judicatory, 
it  shall  appoint  one  or  more  of  its  own  members  a  com¬ 
mittee  to  conduct  the  prosecution  in  all  its  stages  in  what¬ 
ever  judicatory,  until  the  final  issue  be  reached:  provided , 
that  any  appellate  judicatory  before  which  the  case  is  pend¬ 
ing  shall,  if  desired  by  the  prosecuting  committee,  appoint 
one  or  more  of  its  own  members  to  assist  in  the  prosecu¬ 
tion,  upon  the  nomination  of  the  prosecuting  committee. 

13.  If  one,  who  considers  himself  slandered,  requests 
an  investigation  which  a  judicatory  finds  it  proper  to  in¬ 
stitute,  one  or  more  of  its  members  shall  be  appointed 
to  investigate  the  alleged  slander,  and  make  report  in 
writing:  and  a  record  thereafter  made  may  conclude 
the  matter. 

14.  Great  caution  ought  to  be  exercised  in  receiving 
accusations  from  any  person  who  is  known  to  indulge  a 
malignant  spirit  toward  the  accused,  or  who  is  not  cf 
good  character,  or  who  is  himself  under  censure  or  pro¬ 
cess,  or  who  is  personally  interested  in  any  respect  in 
the  conviction  of  the  accused,  or  who  is  known  to  be 
litigious,  rash,  or  highly  imprudent. 

15.  Any  person  who  appears  as  a  prosecutor,  without 
appointment  by  the  judicatory,  shall  be  warned  before 
the  charges  are  presented,  that,  if  he  fail  to  show  proba¬ 
ble  cause  for  the  charges,  he  must  himself  be  censured, 


400 


DISCIPLINE . 


as  a  slanderer  of  the  brethren,  in  proportion  to  the  ma 
lignancy  or  rashness  which  may  appear  in  the  prosecu 
tion. 


CHAPTER  III. 

OF  CHARGES  AND  SPECIFICATIONS. 

16.  The  charge  shall  set  forth  the  alleged  offence;  and 
the  specifications  shall  set  forth  the  facts  relied  upon  to 
sustain  the  charge.  Each  specification  shall  declare,  as 
far  as  possible,  the  time,  place,  and  circumstances,  and 
shall  be  accompanied  with  the  names  of  the  witnesses  to 
be  cited  for  its  support. 

17.  A  charge  shall  not  allege  more  than  one  offence; 
several  charges  against  the  same  person,  however,  with 
the  specifications  under  each  of  them,  may  be  presented 
to  the  judicatory  at  one  and  the  same  time,  and  may,  in 
the  discretion  of  the  judicatory,  be  tried  together.  But, 
when  several  charges  are  tried  at  the  same  time,  a  vote 
on  each  charge  must  be  separately  taken. 

18.  In  all  cases  of  alleged  personal  injury,  where  the 
prosecution  is  by  the  injured  person  or  persons,  the  charge 
must  be  accompanied  by  an  averment,  that  the  course 
prescribed  by  our  Lord,  Matt,  xviii.  15-17,  has  been 
faithfully  tried. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

OF  PROCESS:  GENERAL  RULES  PERTAINING  TO  ALL  CASES. 

19.  Original  jurisdiction,  in  relation  to  Ministers, 
pertains  to  the  presbytery ;  in  relation  to  others,  to  the 
session.  But  the  higher  judicatories  may  institute  pro¬ 
cess  in  cases  in  which  the  lower  have  been  directed  so 
to  do,  and  have  refused  oi  neglected  to  obey. 


DISCIPLINE. 


401 


20.  When  a  judicatory  enters  on  the  consideration  of 
an  alleged  offence,  the  charge  and  specifications,  which 
snail  be  in  writing,  shall  be  read ;  and  nothing  more  shall 
be  done  at  that  meeting,  unless  by  consent  of  parties,  than 
to  furnish  the  accused  with  a  copy  of  the  charge  and  spe¬ 
cifications,  together  with  the  names  of  all  the  witnesses 
then  known  to  support  each  specification;  and  to  cite  all 
concerned  to  appear  at  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  judi¬ 
catory,  to  be  held  not  less  than  ten  days  after  the  service 
of  the  citations.  The  citations  shall  be  signed,  in  the 
name  of  the  judicatory,  by  the  Moderator,  or  Clerk;  who 
shall,  also,  furnish  citations  for  such  witnesses  as  either 
party  shall  name.  The  accused  shall  not  be  required  to 
disclose  the  names  of  his  witnesses. 

21.  Citations  shall  be  served  personally,  unless  the  per¬ 
son  to  be  cited  cannot  be  found,  in  which  case  the  cita¬ 
tion  shall  be  sent  to  his  last  known  place  of  residence; 
and,  before  proceeding  to  trial,  it  must  appear  that  the 
citations  have  been  served. 

22.  If  an  accused  person  refuses  to  obey  a  citation,  a 
second  citation  shall  issue,  accompanied  by  a  notice  that, 
if  he  do  not  appear  at  the  time  appointed,  unless  provi- 
ientially  hindered,  he  will  be  censured  for  his  contumacy, 
according  to  the  subsequent  provisions  of  the  Book  of 
Discipline.  [See  Sections  33,  38  and  J^6.)  If  he  does  not 
then  appear,  the  judicatory  may  proceed  to  trial  and  judg¬ 
ment  in  his  absence ;  in  which  case  it  shall  appoint  some 
person  to  represent  him  as  counsel.  The  time  allowed 
for  his  appearance,  on  any  citation  subsequent  to  the  firs*  , 
shall  be  determined  by  the  judicatory,  with  proper  regard 
for  all  the  circumstances.  The  same  rule,  as  to  the  time 
allowed  for  appearance,  shall  apply  to  all  witnesses  cited 
at  the  request  of  either  party. 

23.  At  the  meeting  at  which  the  citations  are  returnable, 
the  accused  shall  appear,  or,  if  unable  to  be  present,  may 
appear  by  counsel.  He  may  file  objections  to  the  regu¬ 
larity  of  the  organization,  or  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
judicatory  or  to  the  sufficiency  of  the  charges  and  spe 

26 


402 


DISCIPLINE. 


cifications  in  form  or  in  legal  effect,  or  any  other  substan¬ 
tial  objection  affecting  the  order  or  regularity  of  the  pro¬ 
ceeding,  on  which  objections  the  parties  shall  be  heard 
The  judicatory  upon  the  filing  of  such  objections  shall,  or 
on  its  own  motion  may,  determine  all  such  preliminary 
objections,  and  may  dismiss  the  case,  or  permit,  in  the 
furtherance  of  justice,  amendments  to  the  specifications 
or  charges  not  changing  the  general  nature  of  the  same. 
If  the  proceedings  be  found  in  order,  and  the  charges  and 
specifications  be  considered  sufficient  to  put  the  accused 
on  his  defence,  he  shall  plead  “  guilty,”  or  “  not  guilty,” 
to  the  same,  which  shall  be  entered  on  the  record.  If 
the  plea  be  “guilty,”  the  judicatory  shall  proceed  to  judg¬ 
ment  ;  but  if  the  plea  be  “  not  guilty,”  or  if  the  accused 
decline  to  answer,  a  plea  of  “  not  guilty”  shall  be  entered 
of  record  and  the  trial  proceed. 

24.  The  witnesses  shall  be  examined,  and,  if  desired, 
cross-examined,  and  any  other  competent  evidence  intro¬ 
duced,  at  a  meeting  of  which  the  accused  shall  be  prop¬ 
erly  notified ;  after  which  new  witnesses  and  other  evi¬ 
dence,  in  rebuttal  only,  may  be  introduced  by  either  party. 
But  evidence,  discovered  during  the  progress  of  the  trial, 
may  be  admitted,  in  behalf  of  either  party,  under  such 
regulations,  as  to  notice  of  the  names  of  witnesses  and 
the  nature  of  the  proof,  as  the  judicatory  shall  deem  rea¬ 
sonable  and  proper ;  and  then  the  parties  themselves  shall 
be  heard.  The  judicatory  shall  then  go  into  private  ses¬ 
sion — the  parties,  their  counsel,  and  all  other  persons  not 
members  of  the  body,  being  excluded ;  when,  after  care¬ 
ful  deliberation,  the  judicatory  shall  proceed  to  vote  on 
each  specification  and  on  each  charge  separately,  and 
judgment  shall  be  entered  accordingly. 

25.  The  charge  and  specifications,  the  plea,  and  the 
judgment,  shall  be  entered  on  the  minutes  of  the  judi¬ 
catory.  The  minutes  shall  also  exhibit  all  the  acts  and 
>rders  of  the  judicatory  relating  to  the  case,  with  the 
leasons  therefor,  together  with  the  notice  of  appeal,  and 
the  reasons  therefor,  if  any  shall  have  been  filed;  all 


DISCIPLINE . 


403 


which,  together  with  the  evidence  in  the  case  duly  filed 
and  authenticated  by  the  Clerk  of  the  judicatory,  shall 
constitute  the  record  of  the  case;  and,  in  case  of  a  re¬ 
moval  thereof  by  appeal,  the  lower  judicatory  shall  trans¬ 
mit  the  record  to  the  higher.  Nothing  which  is  not  con¬ 
tained  in  the  record  shall  be  taken  into  consideration  in 
the  higher  judicatory. 

26.  Exceptions  may  be  taken  by  either  of  the  original  par¬ 
ties  in  a  trial,  to  any  part  of  the  proceedings,  except  in  the 
judicatory  of  last  resort,  and  shall  be  entered  on  the  record. 

27.  Each  of  the  parties  in  a  judicial  case  shall  be  entitled 
to  appear  and  be  represented  by  counsel,  and  to  be  heard 
by  oral  or  written  argument.  No  person  shall  be  eligible 
as  counsel  who  is.  not  a  minister  or  ruling  elder  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  and 
no  person  having  acted  as  counsel  in  a  judicial  case  shall 
sit  as  a  judge  therein.  The  counsel  of  the  prosecutor  in  a 
judicial  case  where  prosecution  is  initiated  by  a  judica¬ 
tory,  shall  be  the  prosecuting  committee  authorized  to  be 
appointed  by  section  eleven  of  this  book,  and  such  other 
persons  as  may  be  appointed  under  the  provisions  of  said 
section  to  assist  the  prosecuting  committee.  No  person 
shall  accept  any  fee  or  other  emolument  for  any  service 
rendered  as  counsel. 

28.  Questions  as  to  order  or  evidence,  arising  in  the 
course  of  a  trial,  shall,  after  the  parties  have  had  an 
opportunity  to  be  heard,  be  decided  by  the  Moderator, 
subject  to  appeal;  and  the  question  on  the  appeal  shall 
be  determined  without  debate.  All  such  decisions,  if  de¬ 
sired  by  either  party,  shall  be  entered  upon  the  record  of 
the  case. 

29.  No  member  of  a  judicatory  who  has  not  been  pres¬ 
ent  during  the  whole  of  a  trial,  shall  be  allowed  to  vote 
on  any  question  arising  therein,  except  by  unanimous 
consent  of  the  judicatory  and  of  the  parties ;  and,  when 
a  trial  is  in  progress,  except  in  an  appellate  judicatory, 
the  roll  shall  be  called  after  each  recess  and  adjournment, 
and  the  names  of  the  absentees  shall  be  noted. 


404 


DISCIPLINE . 


30.  The  parties  shall  be  allowed  copies  of  tlie  record 
at  their  own  expense;  and,  on  the  final  disposition  of  a 
case  in  a  higher  judicatory,  the  record  of  the  case,  with 
the  judgment,  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  judicatory  in 
which  the  case  originated. 

31.  In  the  infliction  and  removal  of  church  censures, 
judicatories  shall  observe  the  modes  prescribed  in  Chap¬ 
ter  XI.  of  the  Directory  for  Worship. 

32.  In  all  cases  of  judicial  process,  the  judicatory  may, 
at  any  stage  of  the  case,  determine,  by  a  vote  of  two 
thirds,  to  sit  with  closed  doors. 

33.  A  judicatory  may,  if  the  edification  of  the  Church 
demands  it,  require  an  accused  person  to  refrain  from 
approaching  the  Lord’s  Table,  or  from  the  exercise  of 
office,  or  both,  until  final  action  in  the  case  shall  be 
taken ;  provided ,  that  in  all  cases  a  speedy  investigation 
or  trial  shall  be  had. 


CHAPTER  V. 

8PEC1AL  RULES  PERTAINING  TO  CASES  BEFORE  SESSIONS. 

34.  When  an  accused  person  has  been  twice  duly  cited, 
and  refuses  to  appear,  by  himself  or  counsel,  before  a  ses¬ 
sion,  or,  appearing,  refuses  to  answer  the  charge  brought 
against  him,  he  shall  be  suspended,  by  act  of  session, 
from  the  communion  of  the  Church,  and  shall  so  remain 
until  he  repents  of  his  contumacy,  and  submits  himself 
to  the  orders  of  the  judicatory. 

35.  The  censures  to  be  inflicted  by  the  session  are 
Admonition,  Rebuke,  Suspension  or  Deposition  from 
office,  Suspension  from  the  communion  of  the  Church, 
and,  in  the  case  of  offenders  wTho  will  not  be  reclaimed 
by  milder  measures,  Excommunication. 

30.  The  sentence  shall  be  published,  if  at  all,  only  in 
ffie  church  or  churches  which  have  been  offended. 


DISCIPLINE . 


405 


CHAPTER  VI. 

GENERAL  RULES  PERTAINING  TO  THE  TRIAL  OF  A  MIN  IB 

TER ,  ELDER ,  OR  DEACON. 

37.  As  the  honor  and  success  of  the  gospel  depend,  in 
a  great  measure,  on  the  character  of  its  ministers,  each 
presbytery  ought,  with  the  greatest  care  and  impartiality, 
to  watch  over  their  personal  and  professional  conduct. 
But  as,  on  the  one  hand,  no  minister  ought,  on  account 
of  his  office,  to  be  screened  from  the  hand  of  justice,  or  his 
offences  to  be  slightly  censured,  so  neither  ought  charges 
to  be  received  against  him  on  slight  grounds. 

38.  If  a  minister  be  accused  of  an  offence,  at  such  a  dis¬ 
tance  from  his  usual  place  of  residence  as  that  it  is  not 
likely  to  become  otherwise  known  to  his  presbytery,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presbytery  within  whose  bounds 
the  offence  is  alleged  to  have  been  committed,  if  it  shall  be 
satisfied  that  there  is  probable  ground  for  the  accusation, 
to  notify  his  presbytery  thereof,  and  of  the  nature  of  the 
offence ;  and  his  presbytery,  on  receiving  such  notice, 
shall,  if  it  appears  that  the  honor  of  religion  requires  it, 
proceed  to  the  trial  of  the  case. 

39.  If  a  minister  accused  of  an  offence  refuses  to  ap¬ 
pear  by  himself  or  counsel,  after  being  twice  duly  cited, 
he  shall,  for  his  contumacy,  be  suspended  from  his  office; 
and  if,  after  another  citation,  he  refuses  to  appear  by  him¬ 
self  or  counsel,  he  shall  be  suspended  from  the  commu¬ 
nion  of  the  Church. 

40.  If  a  judicatory  so  decides,  a  member  shall  not  be 
allowed,  while  charges  are  pending  against  him,  to  delib¬ 
erate  or  vote  on  any  question. 

41.  If  the  accused  be  found  guilty,  he  shall  be  admon¬ 
ished,  rebuked,  suspended  or  deposed  from  office  (with  oi 
without  suspension  from  church  privileges,  in  either  case), 
or  excommunicated.  A  minister  suspended  from  office 
may,  at  the  expiration  of  one  year,  unless  he  gives  satis¬ 
factory  evidence  of  repentance,  be  deposed  without  fur¬ 
ther  trial. 


406 


DISCIPLINE . 


42.  Heresy  and  schism  may  be  of  such  a  natuie  as  Ui 
call  for  deposition ;  but  errors  ought  to  be  carefully  con¬ 
sidered,  whether  they  strike  at  the  vitals  of  religion  and 
are  industriously  spread,  or  whether  they  arise  from  the 
weakness  of  the  human  understanding,  and  are  not  likely 
to  do  much  injury. 

43.  If  the  presbytery  finds,  on  trial,  that  the  matter 
complained  of  amounts  to  no  more  than  such  acts  of  in¬ 
firmity  as  may  be  amended  and  the  people  satisfied,  so 
that  little  or  nothing  remains  to  hinder  the  usefulness 
of  the  offender,  it  shall  take  all  prudent  measures  to 
remove  the  evil. 

44.  A  minister  deposed  for  immoral  conduct  shall  not  be 
restored,  even  on  the  deepest  sorrowT  for  his  sin,  until  after 
some  considerable  time  of  eminent  and  exemplary,  hum¬ 
ble  and  edifying  conduct ;  and  he  ought  in  no  case  to  be 
restored,  until  it  shall  clearly  appear  to  the  judicatory 
within  whose  bounds  he  resides,  that  the  restoration  can 
be  effected  without  injury  to  the  cause  of  religion ;  and 
then  only  by  the  judicatory  inflicting  the  censure,  or  with 
its  advice  and  consent. 

45.  If  a  minister  is  deposed  without  excommunication, 
his  pulpit,  if  he  is  a  pastor,  shall  be  declared  vacant ;  and 
the  presbytery  shall  give  him  a  letter  to  any  church  with 
which  he  may  desire  to  connect  himself  where  his  lot  may 
be  cast,  in  which  shall  be  stated  his  exact  relation  to  the 
Church.  If  a  pastor  is  suspended  from  office  only,  the 
presbytery  may,  if  no  appeal  from  the  sentence  of  sus¬ 
pension  is  pending,  declare  his  pulpit  vacant. 

46.  A  presbytery  may,  if  the  edification  of  the  Church 
iemand  it,  require  an  accused  minister  tc  refrain  from  the 
exercise  of  his  office  until  final  action  in  the  case  shall  be 
taken :  provided ,  that  in  all  cases  a  speedy  investigation  or 
.rial  shall  be  had. 

47.  In  process  by  a  session  against  a  ruling  elder  or  a 
deacon,  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  so  far  as  applica¬ 
ble,  shall  be  observed. 


DISCIPLINE. 


407 


CHAPTER  VII. 

OF  CASES  WITHOUT  PE 0 CESS. 

48.  If  a  person  commits  an  offence  in  the  presence  of 
a.  judicatory,  or  comes  forward  as  his  own  accuser  and 
makes  known  his  offence,  the  judicatory  may  proceed  to 
judgment  without  process,  giving  the  offender  an  oppor 
tunity  to  be  heard;  and  in  the  case  first  named  he  may 
demand  a  delay  of  at  least  two  days  before  judgment. 
T1  re  record  must  show  the  nature  of  the  offence,  as  well  as 
the  judgment  and  the  reasons  therefor,  and  appeal  may 
be  taken  from  the  judgment  as  in  other  cases. 

49.  If  a  communicant,  not  chargeable  with  immoral 
conduct,  inform  the  session  that  he  is  fully  persuaded 
that  he  has  no  right  to  come  to  the  Lord’s  Table,  the 
session  shall  confer  with  him  on  the  subject,  and  may, 
should  he  continue  of  the  same  mind,  and  his  attendance 
on  the  other  means  of  grace  be  regular,  excuse  him  from 
attendance  on  the  Lord’s  Supper;  and,  after  fully  sat¬ 
isfying  themselves  that  his  judgment  is  not  the  result  of 
mistaken  views,  shall  erase  his  name  from  the  roll  of  com¬ 
municants,  and  make  record  of  their  action  in  the  case. 

*  50.  If  a  communicant,  not  chargeable  with  immoral 
conduct,  removes  out  of  the  bounds  of  his  church,  with¬ 
out  asking  for  or  receiving  a  regular  certificate  of  dismis¬ 
sion  to  another  church,  and  his  residence  is  known,  the 
session  may,  wfithin  two  years,  advise  him  to  apply  for 
such  certificate ;  and,  if  he  fails  so  to  do,  without  giving 
sufficient  reason,  liis  name  may  be  placed  on  the  roll  of 
suspended  members,  until  he  shall  satisfy  the  session  of 
the  propriety  of  his  restoration.  But,  if  the  session  has 
no  knowledge  of  him  for  the  space  of  three  years,  it  may 
erase  his  name  from  the  roll  of  communicants,  making 
record  of  its  action  and  the  reasons  therefor.  In  either 
case,  the  member  shall  continue  subject  to  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  session.  A  separate  roll  of  all  such  names  shall 
be  kept,  stating  the  relations  of  each  to  the  church. 

t  51.  If  any  communicant,  not  chargeable  with  immoral 


*  See  Amendments,  p.  426a. 


f  1266. 


408 


DISCIPLINE . 


conduct,  neglects  the  ordinances  of  the  Church  for  one 
year,  and  in  circumstances  such  as  the  session  shall  re¬ 
gard  to  be  a  serious  injury  to  the  cause  of  religion,  he 
may,  after  affectionate  visitation  by  the  Session,  and  admo¬ 
nition  if  need  be,  be  suspended  from  the  communion  of 
the  Church  until  he  gives  satisfactory  evidence  of  the  sin¬ 
cerity  of  his  repentance,  but  he  shall  not  be  excommu¬ 
nicated  without  due  process  of  discipline. 

52.  If  a  minister,  otherwise  in  good  standing,  shall 
make  apnlication  to  be  released  from  the  office  of  the  min¬ 
istry,  he  may,  at  the  discretion  of  the  presbytery,  be  put 
on  probation,  for  one  year  at  least,  in  such  a  manner 
as  the  presbytery  may  direct,  in  order  to  ascertain  his 
motives  and  reasons  for  such  a  relinquishment.  And  if, 
at  the  end  of  this  period,  the  presbytery  be  satisfied  that 
he  cannot  be  useful  and  happy  in  the  exercise  of  his  min¬ 
istry,  they  may  allow  him  to  demit  the  office,  and  return 
to  the  condition  of  a  private  member  in  the  Church, 
ordering  his  name  to  be  stricken  from  the  roll  of  the 
presbytery,  and  giving  him  a  letter  to  any  church  with 
which  he  may  desire  to  connect  himself. 

53.  If  a  communicant  renounces  the  communion  of  this 
Church  by  joining  another  denomination,  without  a  regu¬ 
lar  dismission,  although  such  conduct  is  disorderly,  the 
session  shall  take  no  other  action  in  the  case  than  to  re¬ 
cord  the  fact,  and  order  his  name  to  be  erased  from  the 
roll.  If  charges  are  pending  against  him,  these  charges 
may  be  prosecuted. 

54.  If  a  minister,  not  otherwise  chargeable  with  an 
offence,  renounces  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Church,  by 
abandoning  the  ministry,  or  becoming  independent,  or 
joining  another  denomination  not  deemed  heretical, 
without  a  regular  dismission,  the  presbytery  shall  take  no 
other  action  than  to  record  the  fact  and  to  erase  his  name 
from  the  roll.  If  charges  are  pending  against  him,  he 
may  be  tried  thereon.  If  it  appears  that  he  has  joined 
another  denomination  deemed  heretical,  he  may  be  sus¬ 
pended,  deposed,  or  excommunicated. 


DISCIPLINE. 


409 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

OF  EVIDENCE. 

55.  Judicatories  ought  to  be  very  careful  and  impar¬ 
tial  in  receiving  testimony.  Not  every  person  is  com¬ 
petent,  and  not  every  competent  person  is  credible,  as  a 
witness. 

56.  All  persons,  whether  parties  or  otherwise,  are  com¬ 
petent  witnesses,  except  such  as  do  not  believe  in  the 
existence  of  God,  or  a  future  state  of  rewards  and  pun¬ 
ishments,  or  have  not  sufficient  intelligence  to  understand 
the  obligation  of  an  oath.  Any  witness  may  be  chal¬ 
lenged  for  incompetency,  and  the  judicatory  shall  decide 
the  question. 

57.  The  credibility  of  a  witness,  or  the  degree  of  credit 
due  to  his  testimony,  may  be  affected  by  relationship  to 
any  of  the  parties ;  by  interest  in  the  result  of  the  trial : 
by  want  of  proper  age;  by  weakness  of  understanding; 
by  infamy  or  malignity  of  character;  by  being  under 
church  censure ;  by  general  rashness  or  indiscretion ;  or 
by  any  other  circumstances  that  appear  to  affect  his  vera¬ 
city,  knowledge,  or  interest  in  the  case. 

58.  A  husband  or  wife  shall  be  a  competent  witness  for 
or  against  the  other,  but  shall  not  be  compelled  to  testify. 

59.  Evidence  may  be  oral,  written  or  printed,  direct  or 
circumstantial.  A  charge  may  be  proven  by  the  testimony 
of  one  witness,  only  when  supported  by  other  evidence; 
but,  when  there  are  several  specifications  under  the  same 
general  charge,  the  proof  of  two  or  more  of  the  specifica¬ 
tions,  by  different  credible  witnesses,  shall  be  sufficient  to 
establish  the  charge. 

60.  No  witness  afterwards  to  be  examined,  except  a 
member  of  the  judicatory,  shall  be  present  during  the 
examination  of  another  witness  if  either  party  object. 

61.  Witnesses  shall  be  examined  first  by  the  party  pro¬ 
ducing  them ;  then  cross-examined  by  the  opposite  party; 
after  which  any  member  of  the  judicatory  or  either  party 


410 


DISCIPLINE . 


may  put  additional  interrogatories.  Irrelevant  or  frivo 
lous  questions  shall  not  be  admitted,  nor  leading  questions 
by  the  parties  producing  the  witness,  except  under  permis¬ 
sion  of  the  judicatory  as  necessary  to  elicit  the  truth. 

62.  The  oath  or  affirmation  shall  be  administered  by 
the  Moderator  in  the  following,  or  like,  terms:  “  You  sol¬ 
emnly  promise,  in  the  presence  of  the  omniscient  and 
heart-searching  God,  that  you  will  declare  the  truth,  the 
whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  according  to  the 
best  of  your  knowledge,  in  the  matter  in  which  you  are 
called  to  testify,  as  you  shall  answer  to  the  Great  Judge 
of  quick  and  dead.” 

63.  Every  question  put  to  a  witness  shall,  if  required, 
be  reduced  to  writing.  And,  if  either  party  desire  it,  or 
if  the  judicatory  shall  so  decide,  both  question  and  answer 
shall  be  recorded.  The  testimony,  thus  recorded,  shall  be 
read  to  the  witnesses,  in  the  presence  of  the  judicatory, 
for  their  approbation  and  subscription. 

64.  The  records  of  a  judicatory,  or  any  part  of  them, 
whether  original  or  transcribed,  if  regularly  authenticated 
by  the  Clerk,  or  in  case  of  his  death,  absence,  disability 
or  failure  from  any  cause,  by  the  Moderator,  shall  be 
deemed  good  and  sufficient  evidence  in  every  other  judi¬ 
catory. 

65.  In  like  manner,  testimony  taken  by  one  judicatory, 
and  regularly  certified,  shall  be  received  by  every  other 
judicatory,  as  no  less  valid  than  if  it  had  been  taken  by 
themselves. 

66.  Any  judicatory,  before  which  a  case  may  be  pend¬ 
ing,  shall  have  power,  whenever  the  necessity  of  parties 
or  of  witnesses  shall  require  it,  to  appoint,  on  the  applica¬ 
tion  of  either  party,  a  commission  of  ministers,  or  eiders, 
or  both,  to  examine  witnesses ;  which  commission,  if  the 
case  requires  it,  may  be  of  persons  within  the  jurisdic¬ 
tion  of  another  body.  The  commissioners  so  appointed 
shall  take  such  testimony  as  may  be  offered  by  either  party. 
The  testimony  shall  be  taken  in  accordance  w'ith  the  rules 
governing  the  judicatory,  either  orally  or  on  written  inter- 


DISCIPLINE. 


411 


rogatories  and  cross-interrogatories,  duly  settled  by  the 
judicatory,  due  notice  having  been  given  of  the  time 
when,  and  place  where,  the  witnesses  are  to  be  examined. 
All  questions,  as  to  the  relevancy  or  competency  of  the 
testimony  so  taken,  shall  be  determined  by  the  judicatory. 
The  testimony,  properly  authenticated  by  the  signatures 
of  the  commissioners,  shall  be  transmitted,  in  due  time, 
to  the  Clerk  of  the  judicatory  before  which  the  case  is 
pending. 

67.  A  member  of  the  judicatory  may  be  called  upon  to 
testify  in  a  case  which  comes  before  it.  He  shall  be  quali 
(ied  as  other  witnesses  are,  and,  after  having  given  his 
testimony,  may  immediately  resume  his  seat  as  a  mem¬ 
ber  of  the  judicatory. 

68.  A  member  of  the  church,  summoned  as  a  witness, 
and  refusing  to  appear,  or,  having  appeared,  refusing  to 
testify,  shall  be  censured  according  to  the  circumstances 
}>f  the  case  for  his  contumacy. 

69.  If,  after  a  trial  before  any  judicatory,  new  evidence 
is  discovered,  supposed  to  be  important  to  the  exculpation 
of  the  accused,  he  may  ask,  if  the  case  has  not  been  ap¬ 
pealed,  and  the  judicatory  shall  grant,  if  justice  seems  to 
require  it,  a  new  trial. 

70.  If,  in  the  prosecution  of  an  appeal,  new  evidence 
is  offered,  which,  in  the  judgment  of  the  appellate  judi¬ 
catory,  has  an  important  bearing  on  the  case,  it  shall 
either  refer  the  whole  case  to  the  inferior  judicatory  for 
a  new  trial ;  or,  with  the  consent  of  the  parties,  take  the 
testimony,  and  hear  and  determine  the  case. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

OF  THE  WAYS  IN  WHICH  A  CA  USE  MAY  BE  CARRIED  FROM 
A  LOWER  TO  A  HIGHER  JUDICATORY . 

71.  All  proceedings  of  the  session,  the  presbytery, 
Bind  the  synod  (except  as  limited  by  Chapter  XI.,  Sec- 


412 


DISCIPLINE ; 


tion  4,  of  the  Form  of  Government),  are  subject  to  review 
by,  and  may  be  taken  to,  a  superior  judicatory,  by  Gene¬ 
ral  Review  and  Control,  Reference,  Complaint,  or  Appeal. 

I.  OF  GENERAL  REVIEW  AND  CONTROL. 

72.  All  proceedings  of  the  church  shall  be  reported  to, 
and  reviewed  by,  the  session,  and  by  its  order  incorpo¬ 
rated  with  its  records.  Every  judicatory  above  a  session 
shall  review,  at  least  once  a  year,  the  records  of  the  pro¬ 
ceedings  of  the  judicatory  next  below;  and,  if  the  lower 
judicatory  shall  omit  to  send  up  its  records  for  this  pur¬ 
pose,  the  higher  may  require  them  to  be  produced,  either 
immediately,  or  at  a  specified  time,  as  circumstances  may 
determine. 

73.  In  such  review,  the  judicatory  shall  examine,  first, 
whether  the  proceedings  have  been  correctly  recorded; 
second,  whether  they  have  been  constitutional  and  reg¬ 
ular  ;  and,  third,  whether  they  have  been  wise,  equitable, 
and  for  the  edification  of  the  Church. 

74.  Members  of  a  judicatory,  the  records  of  which  are 
under  review,  shall  not  be  allowed  to  vote  thereon. 

75.  In  most  cases  the  superior  judicatory  may  discharge 
its  duty,  by  simply  placing  on  its  own  records,  and  on  those 
under  review,  the  censure  which  it  may  pass.  But  irreg¬ 
ular  proceedings  may  be  found  so  disreputable  and  inju¬ 
rious,  that  the  inferior  judicatory  must  be  required  to 
review  and  correct,  or  reverse  them,  and  report,  within 
a  specified  time,  its  obedience  to  the  order :  provided ,  how¬ 
ever,  that  no  judicial  decision  shall  be  reversed,  unless 
regularly  taken  up  on  appeal. 

76.  If  a  judicatory  is,  at  any  time,  well  advised  of  any 
unconstitutional  proceedings  of  a  lower  judicatory,  the 
latter  shall  be  cited  to  appear,  at  a  specified  time  and 
place,  to  produce  the  records,  and  to  show  what  it  has 
done  in  the  matter  in  question;  after  which,  if  the  charge 
is  sustained,  the  whole  matter  shall  be  concluded  by  the 
judicatory  itself,  or  be  remitted  to  the  lower  judicatory, 
with  directions  as  to  its  disposition. 


DISCIPLINE . 


413 


77.  Judicatories  may  sometimes  neglect  to  perform  theii 
duty,  by  which  neglect  heretical  opinions  or  corrupt  prac¬ 
tices  may  be  allowed  to  gain  ground,  or  offenders  of  a  gross 
character  may  be  suffered  to  escape ;  or  some  part  of  theii 
proceedings  may  have  been  omitted  from  the  record,  or  not 
properly  recorded.  If,  therefore,  at  any  time,  the  superior 
judicatory  is  well  advised  of  such  neglects,  omission »,  or 
irregularities  on  the  part  of  the  inferior  judicatory,  it  may 
require  its  records  to  be  produced,  and  shall  either  proceed 
to  examine  and  decide  the  whole  matter,  as  completely  as 
if  proper  record  had  been  made  ;  or  it  shall  cite  the  lower 
judicatory,  and  proceed  as  in  the  next  preceding  section 

II.  OF  REFERENCES. 

78.  A  Reference  is  a  representation  in  writing,  made  by 
an  inferior  to  a  superior  judicatory,  of  a  judicial  case  not 
yet  decided.  Generally,  however,  it  is  more  conducive 
to  the  public  good  that  each  judicatory  should  fulfill  its 
duty  by  exercising  its  own  judgment. 

79.  Cases  which  are  new,  important,  difficult,  or  of 
peculiar  delicacy,  the  decision  of  which  may  establish 
principles  or  precedents  of  extensive  influence,  on  which 
the  inferior  judicatory  is  greatly  divided,  or  on  which  for 
any  reason  it  is  desirable  that  a  superior  judicatory  should 
first  decide,  are  proper  subjects  of  reference. 

80.  References  are,  either  for  mere  advice,  preparatory 
to  a  decision  by  the  inferior  judicatory,  or  for  ultimate 
trial  and  decision  by  the  superior ;  and  are  to  be  carried 
to  the  next  higher  judicatory.  If  for  advice,  the  refer¬ 
ence  only  suspends  the  decision  of  the  inferior  judica¬ 
tory;  if  for  trial,  it  submits  the  whole  case  to  the  final 
judgment  of  the  superior. 

81.  In  cases  of  reference,  members  of  the  inferior  judi 
catory  may  sit,  deliberate,  and  vote. 

82.  A  judicatory  is  not  necessarily  bound  to  give  a  final 
judgment  in  a  case  of  reference,  but  may  remit  the  whole 
case,  either  with  or  without  advice,  to  the  inferior  judi¬ 
catory. 


414 


DISCIPLINE. 


83.  The  whole  record  of  proceedings  shall  be  promptly 
transmitted  to  the  superior  judicatory,  and,  if  the  refer¬ 
ence  is  accepted,  the  parties  shall  be  heard. 

III.  OF  COMPLAINTS. 

84.  A  Complaint  is  a  written  representation  by  one  or 
more  persons,  subject  and  submitting  to  the  jurisdiction 
of  an  inferior  judicatory,  to  the  next  superior  judicatory 
against  a  particular  delinquency,  action,  or  decision  of 
such  inferior  judicatory  in  a  non-judicial  or  administrative 
case.  When  a  non-judicial  or  administrative  case  has 
been  decided  by  a  Judicial  Commission  of  an  inferior 
judicatory,  sitting  during  an  interval  between  the  meet¬ 
ings  of  such  judicatory,  a  complaint  against  the  decision 
of  the  Commission  may  be  entered  and  prosecuted  before 
a  superior  judicatory,  in  the  same  manner  as  if  the  deci¬ 
sion  had  been  rendered  by  the  inferior  judicatory ;  and  if 
at  least  one-third  of  the  members  of  the  Commission,  re¬ 
corded  as  present  when  the  decision  was  made,  join  in 
such  complaint,  the  execution  of  the  decision  of  the  Com¬ 
mission  shall  be  stayed  until  the  final  issue  of  the  case  by 
the  next  superior  judicatory. 

85.  Written  notice  of  Complaint,  with  the  reasons  there¬ 
for,  shall  be  given,  within  ten  days  after  the  action  was 
taken,  to  the  Clerk,  or,  in  case  of  his  death,  absence,  or 
disability,  to  the  Moderator,  of  the  judicatory  complained 
of,  who  shall  lodge  it,  with  the  records  and  all  the  papers 
pertaining  to  the  case,  with  the  Clerk  of  the  superior  judi¬ 
catory,  before  the  close  of  the  second  day  of  its  regular 
meeting  next  ensuing  the  date  of  the  reception  of  said 
notice. 

8G.  Whenever  a  Complaint  is  entered  in  a  non-judicial 
or  administrative  case  against  a  decision  of  a  judicatory, 
by  at  least  one-third  of  the  members  recorded  as  present 
when  the  decision  was  made,  the  execution  of  the  decision 
shall  be  stayed  until  the  final  issue  of  the  case  by  the  next 
superior  judicatory. 


DISCIPLINE. 


415 


87.  The  complainant  shall  lodge  his  Complaint,  and  the 
reasons  therefor,  with  the  Clerk  of  the  superior  judicatory 
before  the  close  of  the  second  day  of  its  meeting  next 
ensuing  the  date  of  the  notice  thereof. 

88.  If  the  higher  judicatory  finds  that  the  Complaint  is 
in  order,  and  that  sufficient  reasons  for  proceeding  to  its 
determination  have  been  assigned,  the  next  step  shall  be 
to  read  the  record  of  the  action  complained  of,  and  so 
much  of  the  record  of  the  lower  judicatory  as  may  be 
pertinent;  then  the  parties  shall  be  heard,  and,  after  that, 
the  judicatory  shall  proceed  to  consider  and  determine  the 
case. 

89.  The  effect  of  a  complaint,  in  a  non-judicial  or  ad¬ 
ministrative  case,  if  sustained,  may  be  the  reversal,  in 
whole  or  in  part,  of  the  action  or  decision  complained  of. 
When  a  complaint  is  sustained,  the  lower  judicatory  shall 
be  directed  how  to  dispose  of  the  matter. 

90.  The  parties  to  a  Complaint  shall  be  known,  respec¬ 
tively,  as  Complainant  and  Respondent — the  latter  being 
the  judicatory  complained  of,  which  should  always  be 
represented  by  one  or  more  of  its  number  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  who  may  be  assisted  by  counsel. 

91.  Neither  the  complainant  nor  the  members  of  the 
judicatory  complained  of  shall  sit,  deliberate,  or  vote  in 
the  case. 

92.  Either  of  the  parties  to  a  Complaint  may  complain 
to  the  next  superior  judicatory,  except  as  limited  by 
Chapter  XI.,  Section  4,  of  the  Form  of  Government. 

93.  The  judicatory  against  which  a  Complaint  is  made 
shall  send  up  its  records,  and  all  the  papers  relating  to 
the  matter  of  the  Complaint,  and  filed  with  the  record ; 
and,  for  failure  to  do  this,  it  shall  be  censured  by  the 
superior  judicatory,  which  shall  have  power  to  make  such 
orders,  pending  the  production  of  the  records  and  papers, 
and  the  determination  of  the  Complaint,  as  may  be  neces¬ 
sary  to  preserve  the  rights  of  all  the  parties. 


416 


DISCIPLINE. 


IV.  OF  APPEALS. 

94.  An  Appeal  is  the  removal  of  a  judicial  case,  by  a 
written  representation,  from  an  inferior  to  a  superior  judi¬ 
catory  ;  and  may  be  taken,  by  either  of  the  original  par¬ 
ties,  from  the  final  judgment  of  the  lower  judicatory. 
These  parties  shall  be  called  Appellant  and  Appellee, 
Final  judgments  in  judicial  cases  shall  be  subject  to  re¬ 
versal  and  modification  only  by  appeal,  and  no  judicatory 
from  whose  final  judgment  an  appeal  shall  have  been  taken 
shall  be  heard  in  the  appellate  judicatory,  further  than  by 
the  reading  of  the  dissents,  protests,  and  written  opinions 
of  its  members  assenting  to  or  dissenting  from  its  judg¬ 
ments.  When  a  judicial  case  has  been  decided  by  a  Judi¬ 
cial  Commission  of  an  inferior  judicatory,  sitting  during 
an  interval  between  the  meetings  of  the  electing  judica¬ 
tory,  an  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  such  Commission 
may  be  taken  and  prosecuted  before  a  superior  judicatory, 
in  the  same  manner  as  if  the  judgment  had  been  rendered 
by  the  judicatory. 

95.  The  grounds  of  Appeal  may  be  such  as  these :  Ir¬ 
regularity  in  the  proceedings  of  the  inferior  judicatory  ; 
refusal  to  entertain  an  Appeal ;  refusal  of  reasonable 
indulgence  to  a  party  on  trial ;  receiving  improper,  or 
declining  to  receive  important,  testimony ;  hastening  to  a 
decision  before  the  testimony  is  fully  taken  ;  manifestation 
of  prejudice  in  the  conduct  of  the  case;  and  mistake  or 
injustice  in  the  decision. 

96.  Written  notice  of  Appeal,  with  specifications  of 
the  errors  alleged,  shall  be  given,  within  ten  days  after 
the  judgment  has  been  rendered,  to  the  Clerk,  or,  in  case 
of  his  death,  absence,  or  disability,  to  the  Moderator,  of 
the  judicatory  appealed  from,  who  shall  lodge  it,  with 
the  records  and  all  the  papers  pertaining  to  the  case,  with 
the  Clerk  of  the  superior  judicatory,  before  the  close  of 
the  second  day  of  its  regular  meeting  next  ensuing  the 
date  of  his  reception  of  said  notice. 

97.  The  appellant  shall  appear  in  person  or  by  counsel 


DISCIPLINE. 


417 


before  the  judicatory  appealed  to,  on  or  before  the  close 
of  the  second  day  of  its  regular  meeting  next  ensuing 
the  date  of  the  filing  of  his  notice  of  Appeal,  and  shall 
lodge  his  Appeal  and  specifications  of  the  errors  alleged, 
with  the  Clerk  of  the  superior  judicatory,  within  the  time 
above  specified.  If  he  fail  to  show  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the  judicatory  that  he  was  unavoidably  prevented  from 
so  doing,  he  shall  be  considered  as  having  abandoned  his 
Appeal,  and  the  judgment  shall  stand. 

98.  Neither  the  appellant,  nor  the  members  of  the 
judicatory  appealed  from,  shall  sit,  deliberate,  or  vote 
in  the  case. 

99.  When  due  notice  of  an  Appeal  has  been  given, 
and  the  Appeal  and  the  specifications  of  the  errors  alleged 
have  been  filed  in  due  time,  the  Appeal  shall  be  consid¬ 
ered  in  order.  The  judgment,  the  notice  of  Appeal,  the 
Appeal,  and  the  specifications  of  the  errors  alleged,  shall 
be  read ;  and  the  judicatory  may  then  determine,  after 
hearing  the  parties,  whether  the  Appeal  shall  be  enter¬ 
tained.  If  it  be  entertained,  the  following  order  shall 
be  observed: 

(1)  The  record  in  the  case,  from  the  beginning,  shall 
be  read,  except  what  may  be  omitted  by  consent. 

(2)  The  parties  shall  be  heard,  the  appellant  opening 
and  closing. 

(8)  Opportunity  shall  be  given  to  the  members  of  the 
superior  judicatory  to  be  heard. 

(4)  The  vote  shall  then  be  separately  taken,  without 
debate,  on  each  specification  of  error  alleged,  the  ques¬ 
tion  being  taken  in  the  form :  “  Shall  the  specification 
of  error  be  sustained  ?”  If  no  one  of  the  specifications 
be  sustained,  and  no  error  be  found  by  the  judicatory  in 
the  record,  the  judgment  of  the  inferior  judicatory  shall 
be  affirmed.  If  one  or  more  errors  be  found,  the  judica¬ 
tory  shall  determine,  whether  the  judgment  of  the  inferior 
judicatory  shall  be  reversed  or  modified,  or  the  case  re¬ 
manded  for  a  new  trial;  and  the  judgment,  accompanied 
by  a  recital  of  the  error  or  errors  found,  shall  be  entered 
27 


418 


DISCIPLINE. 


on  the  record.  If  the  judicatory  deem  it  wise,  an  ex- 
planatory  minute  may  be  adopted  which  shall  be  a  part 
of  the  record  of  the  case. 

100.  When  the  judgment  directs  admonition  or  rebuke, 
notice  of  Appeal  shall  suspend  all  further  proceedings; 
but  in  other  cases  the  judgments  shall  be  in  force  until 
the  Appeal  is  decided. 

101.  The  judicatory  whose  judgment  is  appealed  from 
shall  send  up  its  records,  and  all  the  papers  relating  there¬ 
to,  and  filed  with  the  record.  If  it  fails  to  do  this,  it  shall 
be  censured;  and  the  sentence  appealed  from  shall  be 
suspended,  until  a  record  is  produced  on  which  the  issue 
can  be  fairly  tried. 

102.  Appeals  are,  generally,  to  be  taken  to  the  judica¬ 
tory  immediately  superior  to  that  appealed  from. 


CHAPTER  X. 

OF  DISSENTS  AND  PROTESTS. 

0 

103.  A  Dissent  is  a  declaration  of  one  or  more  mem¬ 
bers  of  a  minority  in  a  judicatory,  expressing  disagree¬ 
ment  with  a  decision  of  the  majority  in  a  particular  case. 

104.  A  Protest  is  a  more  formal  declaration,  made  by 
one  or  more  members  of  a  minority,  bearing  testimony 
against  what  is  deemed  a  mischievous  or  erroneous  pro¬ 
ceeding,  decision,  or  judgment,  and  including  a  statement 
of  the  reasons  therefor. 

105.  If  a  Dissent  or  Protest  be  couched  in  decorous  and 
respectful  language,  and  be  without  offensive  reflections 
or  insinuations  against  the  majority,  it  shall  be  entered  on 
the  records. 

106.  The  judicatory  may  prepare  an  answer  to  any  pro¬ 
test  which  imputes  to  it  principles  or  reasonings  which  its 
action  does  not  import,  and  the  answer  shall  also  be 
entered  upon  the  records.  Leave  may  thereupon  be  given 
to  the  protestant  or  protestants,  if  they  desire  it,  to  modify 


DISCIPLINE . 


419 


their  Protest;  and  the  answer  of  the  judicatory  may 
also,  in  consequence,  be  modified.  This  shall  end  the 
matter. 

107.  No  one  shall  be  allowed  to  dissent  or  protest  who  has 
not  a  right  to  vote  on  the  question  decided, — and  no  one 
shall  be  allowed  to  dissent  or  protest  on  any* question  who 
did  not  vote  against  the  decision ;  provided ,  that  when  a 
case  has  been  decided  by  a  Judicial  Commission,  any 
member  of  the  judicatory  to  which  the  decision  is  re¬ 
ported,  may  enter  his  dissent  or  protest,  or  liis  answer  to 
any  protest,  in  the  same  manner  as  if  the  case  had  been 
tried  before  the  judicatory  itself,  and  he  had  voted  thereon  ; 
and  provided,  that  when  a  case  has  been  decided  by  a  Judi¬ 
cial  Commission,  sitting  during  an  interval  between  the 
meetings  of  the  electing  judicatory,  any  member  of  such 
judicatory  or  of  the  Commission  may,  within  ten  days  after 
the  rendering  of  the  judgment  by  the  Commission,  file  his 
dissent  from  or  protest  against  the  judgment  with  the 
Clerk  of  the  Commission ;  and  the  Commission  or  any 
member  thereof  may,  within  twenty  days  after  the  ren¬ 
dering  of  the  judgment,  similarly  file  an  answer  to  any 
protest;  and  the  Clerk  of  the  Commission  shall  enter  upon 
the  record  all  dissents,  protests,  and  answers,  or  shall  for¬ 
ward  the  same  to  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  electing  judica¬ 
tory  to  be  so  entered  by  him. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

OF  JURISDICTION  IN  CASES  OF  DISMISSION. 

108.  The  judicatory,  to  which  a  church  member  or  a 
minister  belongs,  shall  have  sole  jurisdiction  for  the  trial 
of  offences  whenever  or  wherever  committed  by  him. 

109.  A  member  of  a  church,  receiving  a  certificate  of 
dismission  to  another  church,  shall  continue  to  be  a  mem¬ 
ber  of  the  church  giving  him  the  certificate,  and  subject 
to  the  jurisdiction  of  its  session  (but  shall  not  deliberate 


420 


DISCIPLINE. 


or  vote  in  a  church  meeting,  nor  exercise  the  functions  of 
any  office),  until  he  has  become  a  member  of  the  church 
to  which  he  is  recommended,  or  some  other  evangelical 
church  ;  and,  should  he  return  the  certificate,  within  a 
year  from  its  date,  the  session  shall  make  record  of  the 
fact,  but  he  shall  not  thereby  be  restored  to  the  exercise 
of  the  functions  of  any  office  previously  held  by  him  in 
that  church. 

110.  In  like  manner,  a  minister  shall  be  subject  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  presbytery  which  dismissed  him  (but 
shall  not  deliberate  or  vote,  nor  be  counted  in  the  basis  of 
representation  to  the  General  Assembly),  until  he  actually 
becomes  a  member  of  another  presbytery ;  but,  should  he 
return  the  certificate  of  dismission  within  a  year  from  its 
date,  the  presbytery  shall  make  record  of  the  fact,  and  re¬ 
store  him  to  the  full  privileges  of  membership. 

111.  A  presbytery,  giving  a  certificate  of  dismission  to 
a  minister,  licentiate,  or  candidate  for  licensure,  shall  spe¬ 
cify  the  particular  body  to  which  he  is  recommended  ; 
and,  if  recommended  to  a  presbytery,  no  other  than  the 
one  designated,  if  existing,  shall  receive  him. 

112.  If  a  church  becomes  extinct,  the  presbytery  with 
which  it  was  connected  shall  have  jurisdiction  over  its 
members,  and  grant  them  letters  of  dismission  to  some 
other  church.  It  shall,  also,  determine  any  case  of  dis¬ 
cipline  begun  by  the  session  and  not  concluded. 

113.  If  a  presbytery  becomes  extinct,  the  synod  with 
which  it  was  connected,  shall  have  jurisdiction  over  its 
members,  and  may  transfer  them  to  any  presbytery  within 
its  bounds.  It  shall,  also,  determine  any  case  of  discipline 
begun  by  the  presbytery  and  not  concluded. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

OF  REMOVALS,  AND  LIMITATIONS  OF  TIME. 

114.  When  anv  member  shall  remove  from  one  church 

* 

to  another,  he  shall  produce  a  certificate,  ordinarily  not 


DISCIPLINE : 


421 


more  than  one  year  old,  of  his  church- membership  and 
dismission,  before  he  shall  be  admitted  as  a  regular  mem¬ 
ber  of  that  church. 

The  names  of  the  baptized  children  of  a  parent  seek 
ing  dismission  to  another  church  shall,  if  such  children 
are  members  of  his  household  and  remove  with  him  and 
are  not  themselves  communicants,  be  included  in  the  cer 
tificate  of  dismission.  The  certificate  shall  be  addressed 
to  a  particular  church,  and  the  fact  of  the  reception  of 
the  person  or  persons  named  in  it  shall  be  promptly  com¬ 
municated  to  the  church  which  gave  it. 

115.  In  like  manner,  when  a  minister,  licentiate,  or 
candidate,  is  dismissed  from  one  presbytery  to  another, 
the  certificate  shall  be  presented  to  the  presbytery  to 
which  it  is  addressed,  ordinarily  within  one  year  from 
its  date,  and  the  fact  of  his  reception  shall  be  promptly 
communicated  to  the  presbytery  dismissing  him. 

116.  If  a  church-member,  more  than  two  years  absent 
from  the  place  of  his  ordinary  residence  and  church 
connections,  applies  for  a  certificate  of  membership,  his 
absence,  and  the  knowledge  of  the  church  respecting  his 
demeanor  for  that  time,  or  its  want  of  information  con¬ 
cerning  it,  shall  be  distinctly  stated  in  the  certificate. 

117.  Prosecution  for  an  alleged  offence  shall  commence 
within  one  year  from  the  time  of  its  alleged  commission, 
or  from  the  date  when  it  becomes  known  to  the  judica 
tory  which  has  jurisdiction  thereof. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

I.  Concerning  Judicial  Cases  in  Presbyteries 

and  Synods. 

118.  A  presbytery  or  a  synod  may  elect  from  the  min¬ 
isters  and  ruling  elders  subject  to  its  jurisdiction  a  Judi¬ 
cial  Commission,  which  shall  be  composed  of  not  less  than 
seven  members  for  a  presbytery  and  not  less  than  eleven 


422 


DISCIPLINE . 


for  a  synod,  a  majority  of  which  members  shall  be  minis¬ 
ters.  The  electing  judicatory  may  transmit  to  such  Com¬ 
mission  any  judicial  case  for  hearing  and  decision. 

119.  The  Commission  shall  elect  from  its  members  a 
Moderator  and  a  Clerk;  and,  in  the  case  transmitted  to  it, 
shall  have  the  powers  prescribed  by,  and  conduct  its  pro¬ 
ceedings  according  to,  the  Constitution  and  rules  govern¬ 
ing  the  trial  of  such  cases  before  the  electing  judicatory, 
to  which,  also,  it  shall  make  a  report. 

120.  The  quorum  of  the  Commission  shall  consist  of  not 
less  than  two-thirds  of  the  members  elected  to  it,  provided 
that  at  least  one-halt  the  quorum  shall  be  ministers. 

121.  The  meetings  of  the  Commission  shall  be  held  at 
such  times  and  places  as  the  electing  judicatory  shall 
direct,  or,  if  no  directions  shall  be  given,  then  at  such 
times  and  places  as  the  Commission  shall  determine. 

122.  The  decision  of  the  Commission,  sitting  in  any 
case  at  the  same  time  as  the  electing  judicatory,  shall  be 
promptly  reported  to  the  judicatory,  and  shall,  from  the 
time  of  the  rendering  of  the  report,  be  held  to  be  the  final 
judgment  of  the  judicatory.  The  decision  of  the  Commis¬ 
sion,  sitting  in  any  case  during  an  interval  between  the 
meetings  of  the  electing  judicatory,  shall,  from  the  time 
of  the  announcement  of  the  decision,  be  held  to  be  the 
final  judgment  of  the  judicatory. 

123.  The  Clerk  of  the  Commission  shall  keep  a  full  and 
correct  record  of  the  proceedings  and  decision  of  the  Com¬ 
mission  ;  shall  with  the  Moderator  certify  in  writing  such 
record  to  be  full  and  correct;  and  shall  forthwith  transmit 
a  certified  copy  of  the  decision  to  each  party  in  the  case, 
and  file  the  certified  record  with  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the 
electing  judicatory. 

124.  The  Stated  Clerk  of  the  electing  judicatory,  upon 
the  request  of  the  Commission  in  any  case,  or  upon  its 
failure  to  report  the  certified  record  of  such  case  when 
called  for  by  the  judicatory,  shall  forthwith  report  the 
certified  record  to  the  judicatory ;  and  shall  preserve  it  as 
a  part  of  the  records  of  the  same,  and  shall  include  it  in 


DISCIPLINE . 


423 


the  records  sent  up  to  the  next  superior  judicatory  for 
review. 

II.  Concerning  Judicial  Cases  in  the  General 

Assembly. 

*  125.  The  General  Assembly  shall  elect  a  Commission, 
which  shall  be  called  “  The  Permanent  Judicial  Commis¬ 
sion  of  the  General  Assembly/’  and  shall  be  composed  of 
eight  ministers  and  seven  ruling  elders,  of  whom  not  more 
than  two  shall  belong  to  the  same  synod.  At  the  first 
election  fifteen  persons  shall  be  elected,  five  to  serve  for 
one  year,  five  for  two  years,  and  five  for  three  years,  and 
thereafter  five  persons  shall  be  elected  annually  to  serve 
for  three  years.  The  terms  of  the  members  of  the  Com¬ 
mission  shall  begin  with  the  close  of  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  at  which  they  are  elected.  No  person  having  served 
a  full  term  shall  be  eligible  for  re-election  to  the  term 
next  ensuing.  Any  vacancy  may  be  filled  by  the  General 
Assembly  at  any  meeting  thereof  by  the  election  of  a 
person  for  the  unexpired  term.  If  a  vacancy  shall  occur 
during  an  interval  between  two  General  Assemblies,  it 
shall  be  filled  by  appointment  by  the  Moderator  of  the 
General  Assembly  until  the  next  ensuing  General  Assem¬ 
bly.  The  General  Assembly  may  transmit  to  this  Com¬ 
mission  any  judicial  case  for  hearing  and  decision. 

126.  The  Commission  shall  annually  elect  from  its 
members  a  moderator  and  a  clerk,  and,  in  the  cases  trans¬ 
mitted  to  it,  shall  have  the  powers  prescribed  by,  and  con¬ 
duct  its  proceedings  according  to,  the  Constitution  and 
rules  governing  the  trial  of  such  cases  before  the  General 
Assembly,  to  which,  also,  it  shall  make  reports. 

127.  The  quorum  of  the  Commission  shall  consist  of  not 
less  than  eleven  members,  of  whom  at  least  six  shall  be 
ministers. 

128.  The  meetings  of  the  Commission  shall  be  held  at 
such  times  and  places  as  the  General  Assembly  shall 
direct,  or,  if  no  directions  shall  be  given,  then  at  such 
times  and  places  as  the  Commission  shall  determine. 


*  See  Amendments,  p.  4265. 


424 


DISCIPLINE. 


129.  The  decision  of  the  Commission  in  any  case  shall 
be  held  to  be  the  preliminary  judgment  in  that  case,  and 
shall  be  binding  upon  each  party  therein  until  the  date 
of  the  final  judgment  of  the  General  Assembly ;  provided, 
that  the  General  Assembly  may  modify  or  suspend  the 
preliminary  judgment  in  any  case  remitted  by  it  for  further 
hearing. 

130.  The  Clerk  of  the  Commission  shall  keep  a  full  and 
correct  record  of  the  proceedings  and  preliminary  judg¬ 
ment  of  the  Commission  in  each  case  transmitted  to  it  ; 
shall  with  the  Moderator  certify  in  writing  such  record  to 
be  full  and  correct ;  and  shall  forthwith  transmit  a  certi¬ 
fied  copy  of  the  preliminary  judgment  to  each  party  in 
the  case  and  file  the  certified  record  with  the  Stated  Clerk 
of  the  General  Assembly. 

131.  The  Stated  Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly,  upon 
the  request  of  the  Commission  or  upon  its  failure  to  report 
the  certified  record  of  any  case  when  called  for  by  the 
General  Assembly,  shall  forthwith  report  the  certified 
record  to  the  General  Assembly,  and  shall  preserve  it  as  a 
part  of  the  records  of  the  same. 

132.  The  preliminary  judgment  in  any  case  may  be  re¬ 
viewed  by  the  General  Assembly  to  which  it  has  been  re¬ 
ported,  and  may  be  affirmed,  reversed,  modified,  suspended, 
or  remitted  for  further  hearing.  On  such  review,  if  the 
case  be  not  remitted,  the  decision  of  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly  shall  be  held  to  be  its  final  judgment.  If  the  case  be 
not  reviewed  bv  the  General  Assembly  to  which  it  has 


been  reported,  or  if  it  be  reviewed  and  no  decision  be 
reached,  then  at  the  dissolving  of  the  same  the  prelimi¬ 
nary  judgment  of  the  Permanent  J udicial  Commission  shall 
be  held  to  be  the  final  judgment  of  the  General  Assembly. 

133.  The  necessary  expenses  of  the  Commission  shall 
be  provided  for  by  the  General  Assembly. 

134.  Nothing  in  this  chapter  shall  be  so  construed  as  to 
prevent  the  General  Assembly  trom  electing,  at  its  own 
discretion,  Special  Judicial  Commissions,  which  shall  be 
subject  to  the  rules,  so  far  as  they  apply,  that  pertain  to 
the  Permanent  Judicial  Commission. 


DISCIPLINE. 


425 


III.  Concerning  Non- judicial  or  Administrative 

Cases  and  References. 

135.  A  presbytery  or  a  synod  may  transmit  to  any 
Judicial  Commission  elected  by  it  any  non-judicial  or  ad¬ 
ministrative  case  founded  on  complaint,  or  any  reference, 
or  any  case  arising  under  chapter  xiv.  of  the  Book  of 
Discipline,  entitled  “  Of  Differences  Between  Judicatories,” 
with  such  powers  as  the  transmitting  judicatory  shall 
confer  upon  the  Commission. 

136.  The  General  Assembly  may  transmit  to  any  Judi¬ 
cial  Commission  elected  by  it  any  non-judicial  or  admin¬ 
istrative  case  founded  on  a  complaint,  or  any  reference,  or 
any  case  arising  under  chapter  xiv.  of  the  Book  of  Disci¬ 
pline,  entitled  11  Of  Differences  Between  Judicatories,” 
with  such  powers  as  the  General  Assembly  shall  confer 
upon  the  Commission. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

OF  DIFFERENCES  BETWEEN  JUDICATORIES. 

137.  Any  judicatory  deeming  itself  aggrieved  by  the 
action  of  any  other  judicatory  of  the  same  rank,  may 
present  a  memorial  to  the  judicatory  immediately  supe¬ 
rior  to  the  judicatory  charged  with  the  grievance  and  to 
which  the  latter  judicatory  is  subject,  after  the  manner 
prescribed  in  the  sub-chapter  on  Complaints  (Sections  83- 
93,  Book  of  Discipline),  save  only  that  with  regard  to  the 
Limitation  of  time,  notice  of  said  memorial  shall  be  lodged 
with  the  Stated  Clerks,  both  of  the  judicatory  charged 
with  the  grievance  and  of  its  next  superior  judicatory, 
within  one  year  from  the  commission  of  the  said  alleged 
grievance. 

138.  When  any  judicatory  deems  itself  aggrieved  by 
another  judicatory  and  determines  to  present  a  memorial 
as  provided  for  in  the  preceding  section,  it  shall  appoint 
a  committee  to  conduct  the  case  in  all  its  stages,  in  what¬ 
ever  judicatory,  until  the  final  issue  be  reached. 


426 


DISCIPLINE. 


139.  The  judicatory  with  which  the  memorial  is  lodged, 
if  it  sustain  the  same,  may  reverse  in  whole  or  in  part  the 
matter  of  grievance,  and  shall  direct  the  lower  judicatory 
how  to  dispose  of  the  case,  and  may  enforce  its  orders. 
Either  party  may  appeal  to  the  next  higher  judicatory, 
except  as  limited  by  Chapter  XI.,  Section  4,  of  the  Form 
of  Government, 


DISCIPLINE. 


426a 


AMENDMENTS. 

BOOK  OF  DISCIPLINE. 

Section  50.  Amended  to  read  as  follows  : 

50.  When  a  communicant  removes  his  residence  from 
a  place  where  he  is  a  member,  the  pastor,  or,  in  case  of  a 
vacancy  in  the  pastorate,  the  clerk  of  the  Session  of  the 
church  of  which  he  is  a  member,  shall  at  once  notify  the 
pastor  or  clerk  of  the  Session  of  the  church  into  the 
hounds  of  which  he  removes,  of  his  new  place  of  resi¬ 
dence.  Presbyteries  including  towns  or  cities  containing 
two  or  more  Presbyterian  churches,  shall  appoint  in  each 
of  these  towns  or  cities  a  committee  on  members  changing 
residence,  the  chairman  of  which  shall  be  a  minister,  and 
he  shall  be  indicated  by  a  sign  or  mark  before  his  name 
on  the  Poll  of  Presbytery  in  the  Assembly  Minutes ,  and 
notices  of  members  removing  to  that  city  shall  be  sent  to 
him,  and  he  shall  turn  over  these  names  to  the  pastor  of 
the  church  nearest  each  removing  member’s  new  place  of 
residence. 

If  a  communicant  removing  to  another  city  or  place 
shall  neglect  for  twelve  months,  without  satisfactory  rea¬ 
sons  to  both  Sessions,  to  transfer  his  membership  to  the 
church  into  whose  bounds  he  removes,  the  Session  of  the 
church  whose  bounds  he  has  left  shall  be  required  to  trans¬ 
fer  him ;  and  should  that  Session  neglect  this  duty,  the 
Session  of  the  church  into  whose  bounds  he  has  removed 
shall  assume  jurisdiction,  giving  due  notice  to  the  Session 
of  the  church  from  which  the  member  has  removed. 

If  the  Session  has  no  knowledge  of  the  place  of  resi¬ 
dence  of  any  member  for  three  years,  and  be  unable  to 
discover  the  same,  it  may  remove  his  name  from  the  roll 
of  active  communicants  to  an  absentee  roll.  A  separate 
roll  shall  be  kept  of  these  absent  members,  indicating  the 


4266 


DISCIPLINE. 


date  when  each  name  was  placed  on  it,  and  these  names 
shall  not  be  counted  in  the  active  membership  of  the 
church.  On  the  reappearance  of  any  such  absent  mem¬ 
ber  in  the  congregation,  his  name  may  be  restored  to  the 
active  roll,  provided  satisfactory  reasons  for  his  absence 
are  given  to  the  Session.  [See  Minutes ,  1910,  p.  245.] 

Section  51.  Add  to  the  section  the  following: 

In  cases  where  a  communicant,  still  residing  in  the 
bounds  of  the  church  and  not  chargeable  with  immoral 
conduct,  shall  persistently  absent  himself  from  the  ordi¬ 
nances  of  religion  in  the  church,  the  Session,  having  made 
diligent  effort  to  restore  him  to  active  fulfillment  of  his 
membership,  may,  after  one  year  from  the  beginning  of 
such  effort,  and  after  duly  notifying  him  of  its  intention, 
place  his  name  upon  the  roll  of  suspended  members,  with¬ 
out  further  process.  If  at  a  later  time  such  communi¬ 
cant,  his  life  in  the  meanwhile  being  free  from  scandal, 
shall  resume  his  attendance  on  the  ordinances  of  the 
church,  the  Session  shall  restore  his  name  to  the  active 
roll.  [See  Minutes ,  1910,  p.  247.] 

Section  125.  Amended  by  striking  out  as  follows: 

“No  person  having  served  a  full  term  shall  be  eligible 
for  reelection  to  the  term  next  ensuing  ”  ;  and  inserting  in 
its  place  the  following: 

No  person  having  served  upon  the  Permanent  Judicial 
Commission  shall  be  eligible  for  reelection  or  appointment 
until  three  years  shall  have  elapsed,  from  the  expiration 
of  the  time  for  which  he  was  elected  or  appointed.  And 
no  person  shall  be  eligible  to  membership  on  the  Perma¬ 
nent  Judicial  Commission  who  is  a  member  of  any  other 
Commission  of  the  General  Assembly.  [See  Minutes ,  1910, 
p.  249.1 


THE 


DIRECTORY 

FOR  THE 

* 

WORSHIP  OF  GOD  IN  THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 
IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA.* 

Adopted,  1788. 

Amended,  1789-1886. 


CHAPTER  I. 

OF  THE  SANCTIFICATION  OF  THE  LORD'S  DAY. 

I.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  person  to  remember  the 
Lord's  Day ;  and  to  prepare  for  it,  before  its  approach. 
All  worldly  business  should  be  so  ordered,  and  season¬ 
ably  laid  aside,  as  that  we  may  not  be  hindered  thereby 
from  sanctifying  the  Sabbath,  as  the  Holy  Scriptures 
require. 

II.  The  whole  day  is  to  be  kept  holy  to  the  Lord; 
and  to  be  employed  in  the  public  and  private  exercises 
of  religion.  Therefore,  it  is  requisite,  that  there  be  a 
holy  resting,  all  the  day,  from  unnecessary  labors;  and 
an  abstaining  from  those  recreations  which  may  be  law¬ 
ful  on  other  days;  and  also,  as  much  as  possible,  from 
worldly  thoughts  and  conversation. 

III.  Let  the  provisions  for  the  support  of  the  family 

•  The  Scripture-warrant  for  what  is  specified  in  the  various  article 
of  this  Directory,  will  be  found  at  large  in  the  Confession  of  Faith  and 
Catechisms,  in  the  places  where  the  subjects  are  treated  in  a  doctrinal 
form. 


427 


428 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP . 


on  that  day,  be  so  ordered,  that  servants  or  others  be  not 
improperly  detained  from  the  public  worship  of  God ;  nox 
hindered  from  sanctifying  the  Sabbath. 

IV.  Let  every  person  and  family,  in  the  morning,  by 
secret  and  private  prayer,  for  themselves  and  others,  espi 
cially  for  the  assistance  of  God  to  their  minister,  and  fox 
a  blessing  upon  his  ministry;  by  reading  the  Scriptures, 
and  by  holy  meditation ;  prepare  for  communion  with 
God  in  his  public  ordinances. 

V.  Let  the  people  be  careful  to  assemble  at  the  ap¬ 
pointed  time;  that,  being  all  present  at  the  beginning, 
they  may  unite,  with  one  heart,  in  all  the  parts  of  public 
worship :  and  let  none  unnecessarily  depart,  till  after  the 
blessing  be  pronounced. 

VI.  Let  the  time  after  the  solemn  services  of  the  con¬ 
gregation  in  public  are  over,  be  spent  in  reading;  medita¬ 
tion  ;  repeating  of  sermons ;  catechising ;  religious  con¬ 
versation  ;  prayer  for  a  blessing  upon  the  public  ordi¬ 
nances  ;  the  singing  of  psalms,  hymns,  or  spiritual  songs ; 
visiting  the  sick ;  relieving  the  poor ;  and  in  performing 
such  like  duties  of  piety,  charity,  and  mercy. 


CHAPTER  II. 

OF  THE  ASSEMBLING  OF  THE  CONGREGATION  AND  THEIk 
BEHAVIOR  DURING  DIVINE  SERVICE. 

I.  When  the  time  appointed  for  public  worship  is 
come,  let  the  people  enter  the  church,  and  take  their 
seats  in  a  decent,  grave,  and  reverent  manner. 

II.  In  time  of  public  worship,  let  all  the  people  attend 
with  gravity  and  reverence;  forbearing  to  read  any  thing, 
except  what  the  minister  is  then  reading  or  citing;  ab¬ 
staining  from  all  whisperings;  from  salutations  of  persons 
present,  or  coming  in;  and  from  gazing  about,  sleeping, 
smiling,  and  all  other  indecent  behavior. 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


429 


CHAPTER  III. 

OF  THE  PUBLIC  READING  OF  THE  HOLY  SCRIPTURES . 

I.  The  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  the  congrega 
tion,  is  a  part  of  the  public  worship  of  God,  and  ought  u 
be  performed  by  the  ministers  and  teachers. 

II.  The  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament 
shall  be  publicly  read,  from  the  most  approved  translation, 
in  the  vulgar  tongue,  that  all  may  hear  and  understand. 

III.  How  large  a  portion  shall  be  read  at  once,  is  left 
to  the  discretion  of  every  minister :  however,  in  each  se^ 
vice,  he  ought  to  read,  at  least,  one  chapter;  and  more, 
when  the  chapters  are  short,  or  the  connection  requires  it. 
He  may,  when  he  thinks  it  expedient,  expound  any  part 
of  what  is  read:  always  having  regard  to  the  time,  that 
neither  reading,  singing,  praying,  preaching,  or  any  other 
ordinance,  be  disproportionate  the  one  to  the  other ;  nor 
the  whole  rendered  too  short,  or  too  tedious. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

OF  THE  SINGING  OF  PSALMS. 

I.  It  is  the  duty  of  Christians  to  praise  God,  by  sing¬ 
ing  psalms,  or  hymns,  publicly  in  the  church,  as  also  pri¬ 
vately  in  the  family. 

II.  In  singing  the  praises  of  God,  we  are  to  sing  with 
the  spirit,  and  with  the  understanding  also ;  making  mel¬ 
ody  in  our  hearts  unto  the  Lord.  It  is  also  proper,  that 
we  cultivate  some  knowledge  of  the  rules  of  music ;  that 
we  may  praise  God  in  a  becoming  manner  with  our  voices, 
as  well  as  with  our  hearts. 

III.  The  whole  congregation  should  be  furnished  with 
books,  and  ought  to  join  in  this  part  of  worship.  It  is 
proper  to  sing  without  parceling  out  the  psalm,  line  by 
line.  The  practice  of  reading  the  psalm,  line  bv  line,  was 


430 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


introduced  in  times  of  ignorance,  when  many  in  the  con¬ 
gregation  could  not  read :  therefore,  it  is  recommended, 
that  it  be  laid  aside,  as  far  as  convenient. 

IV.  The  proportion  of  the  time  of  public  worship  to 
be  spent  in  singing,  is  left  to  the  prudence  of  every  min¬ 
ister  :  but  it  is  recommended,  that  more  time  be  allowed 
for  this  excellent  part  of  divine  service  than  has  been 
usual  in  most  of  our  churches. 


CHAPTER  V. 

OF  PUBLIC  PRAYER. 

I.  It  seems  very  proper  to  begin  the  public  worship  of 
the  sanctuary  by  a  short  prayer :  humbly  adoring  the  in¬ 
finite  majesty  of  the  living  God ;  expressing  a  sense  of  our 
distance  from  him  as  creatures,  and  unworthiness  as  sin¬ 
ners;  and  humbly  imploring  his  gracious  presence,  the 
assistance  of  his  Holy  Spirit  in  the  duties  of  his  worship 
and  his  acceptance  of  us  through  the  merits  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

II.  Then,  after  singing  a  psalm,  or  hymn,  it  is  proper 
that,  before  sermon,  there  should  be  a  full  and  compre¬ 
hensive  prayer :  First ,  Adoring  the  glory  and  perfections 
of  God,  as  they  are  made  known  to  us  in  the  works  of 
creation,  in  the  conduct  of  providence,  and  in  the  clear 
and  full  revelation  he  hath  made  of  himself  in  his  written 
Word :  Second,  Giving  thanks  to  him  for  all  his  mercies  of 
every  kind,  general  and  particular,  spiritual  and  temporal, 
common  and  special;  above  all,  for  Christ  Jesus,  his  un¬ 
speakable  gift,  and  the  hope  of  eternal  life  through  him* 
' 'Third ,  Making  humble  confession  of  sin,  both  original  and 
actual ;  acknowledging,  and  endeavoring  to  impress  the 
mind  of  every  worshiper,  with  a  deep  sense  of  the  evil 
Df  all  sin,  as  such ;  as  being  a  departure  from  the  living 
God  ;  and  also  taking  a  particular  and  affecting  view  of 
the  various  fruits  which  proceed  from  this  root  of  bitter¬ 
ness: — as  sins  against  God,  our  neighbor,  and  ourselves; 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


431 


sins  in  thought,  in  word,  and  in  deed ;  sins  secret  and  pre¬ 
sumptuous  ;  sins  accidental  and  habitual.  Also,  the  aggra¬ 
vations  of  sin,  arising  from  knowledge,  or  the  means  of  it , 
rrom  distinguishing  mercies ;  from  valuable  privileges  , 
from  breach  of  vows,  etc. :  Fourth ,  Making  earnest  sup¬ 
plication  for  the  pardon  of  sin,  and  peace  with  God, 
through  the  blood,  of  the  atonement,  with  all  its  import¬ 
ant  and  happy  fruits ;  for  the  Spirit  of  sanctification,  and 
abundant  supplies  of  the  grace  that  is  necessary  to  the 
discharge  of  our  duty ;  for  support  and  comfort,  under  all 
the  trials  to  which  we  are  liable,  as  we  are  sinful  and 
mortal ;  and  for  all  temporal  mercies  that  may  be  neces¬ 
sary,  in  our  passage  through  this  valley  of  tears :  always 
remembering  to  view  them  as  flowing  in  the  channel  of 
covenant  love,  and  intended  to  be  subservient  to  the  pres¬ 
ervation  and  progress  of  the  spiritual  life :  Fifth ,  Plead¬ 
ing  from  every  principle  warranted  in  Scripture :  from  our 
own  necessity;  the  all-sufficiency  of  God;  the  merit  and 
intercession  of  our  Saviour ;  and  the  glory  of  God  in  the 
comfort  and  happiness  of  his  people :  Sixth ,  Intercession 
for  others,  including  the  whole  world  of  mankind ;  the 
kingdom  of  Christ,  or  his  Church  universal ;  the  church 
or  churches  with  which  we  are  more  particularly  con¬ 
nected;  the  interest  of  human  society  in  general,  and  in 
that  community  to  which  we  immediately  belong ;  all  that 
are  invested  with  civil  authority ;  the  ministers  of  the 
everlasting  gospel ;  and  the  rising  generation  :  with  what¬ 
ever  else,  more  particular,  may  seem  necessary,  or  suitable, 
to  the  interest  of  that  congregation  where  divine  worship 
is  celebrated. 

III.  Prayer  after  sermon,  ought  generally  to  have  a 
relation  to  the  subject  that  has  been  treated  of  in  the  dis¬ 
course;  and  all  other  public  prayers,  to  the  circumstances 
that  gave  occasion  for  them. 

IY.  It  is  easy  to  perceive,  that  in  all  the  preceding  direc¬ 
tions  there  is  a  very  great  compass  and  variety ;  and  it  is 
committed  to  the  judgment  and  fidelity  of  the  officiating 
pastor,  to  insist  chiefly  on  such  parts,  or  to  take  in  more 


432 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


or  less  of  the  several  parts,  as  he  shall  be  led  to  by  the 
aspect  of  Providence ;  the  particular  state  of  the  congre¬ 
gation  in  which  he  officiates ;  or  the  disposition  and  exer¬ 
cise  of  his  own  heart  at  the  time.  But  we  think  it  neces¬ 
sary  to  observe,  that  although  we  do  not  approve,  as  is 
well  known,  of  confining  ministers  to  set  or  fixed  forms 
of  prayer  for  public  worship ;  yet  it  is  the  indispensable 
duty  of  every  minister,  previously  to  his  entering  on  his 
office,  to  prepare  and  qualify  himself  for  this  part  of  his 
duty,  as  well  as  for  preaching.  He  ought,  by  a  thorough 
acquaintance  with  the  Holy  Scriptures,  by  reading  the 
best  writers  on  the  subject,  by  meditation,  and  by  a  l’fe 
of  communion  with  God  in  secret,  to  endeavor  to  acquire 
both  the  spirit  and  the  gift  of  prayer.  Not  only  so,  but 
when  he  is  to  enter  on  particular  acts  of  worship,  he  should 
endeavor  to  compose  his  spirit,  and  to  digest  his  thoughts 
for  prayer,  that  it  may  be  performed  with  dignity  and  pro¬ 
priety,  as  well  as  to  the  profit  of  those  who  join  in  it ;  and 
that  he  may  not  disgrace  that  important  service  by  mean, 
irregular,  or  extravagant  effusions. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

OF  THE  WORSHIP  OF  QOD  BY  OFFERINGS. 

I.  In  order  that  every  member  of  the  congregation  may 
be  trained  to  give  of  his  substance  systematically,  and  as 
the  Lord  has  prospered  him,  to  promote  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel  in  all  the  world  and  to  every  creature,  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  command  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  it  is  proper 
and  very  desirable  that  an  opportunity  be  given  for  offer¬ 
ings  by  the  congregations  in  this  behalf  every  Lord’s  Day, 
and  that,  in  accordance  with  the  Scriptures,  the  bringing 
of  such  offerings  be  performed  as  a  solemn  act  of  worship 
to  almighty  God. 

II.  The  proper  order,  both  as  to  the  particular  service 
of  the  day  and  the  place  in  such  service  for  receiving  the 
offerings,  may  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  minister  and 


DIRECTOR  Y  FOR  WORSHIP. 


433 


session  of  the  church ;  but  that  it  may  be  a  separate  and 
specific  act  of  worship,  the  minister  should  either  precede 
or  immediately  follow  the  same  with  a  brief  prayer,  in¬ 
voking  the  blessing  of  God  upon  it  and  devoting  the 
offerings  to  his  service. 

III.  The  offerings  received  may  be  apportioned  among 
the  Boards  of  the  Church  and  among  other  benevolent 
and  Christian  objects,  under  the  supervision  of  the  church 
session,  in  such  proportion  and  on  such  general  plan  as 
may  from  time  to  time  be  determined ;  but  the  specific 
designation  by  the  giver  of  any  offering  to  any  cause  or 
causes  shall  always  be  respected  and  the  will  of  the  donor 
carefully  carried  out. 

TV.  The  offerings  of  the  Sabbath-school  and  of  the  vari¬ 
ous  societies  or  agencies  of  the  Church  shall  be  reported 
regularly  to  the  session  of  the  Church  for  approval,  and 
no  offerings  or  collections  shall  be  made  by  them  for  objects 
other  than  those  connected  with  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  U.  S.  A.,  without  the  approval  of  the  session. 

V.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  minister  to  cultivate  the  grace 
of  liberal  giving  in  his  congregation,  that  every  member 
thereof  may  offer  according  to  his  ability,  whether  it  be 
much  or  little. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

OF  THE  PREACHING  OF  THE  WORD. 

I.  The  preaching  of  the  Word  being  an  institution  of 
God  for  the  salvation  of  men,  great  attention  should  be 
paid  to  the  manner  of  performing  it.  Every  minister 
ought  to  give  diligent  application  to  it ;  and  endeavor  to 
prove  himself  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed, 
rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth. 

II.  The  subject  of  a  sermon  should  be  some  verse  or 
verses  of  Scripture:  and  its  object,  to  explain,  defend 
and  apply  some  part  of  the  system  of  divine  truth ;  or,  to 

28 


434 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP, 


point  out  the  nature,  and  state  the  bounds  and  obligation, 
of  some  duty.  A  text  should  not  be  merely  a  motto,  but 
should  fairly  contain  the  doctrine  proposed  to  be  handled. 
It  is  proper  also  that  large  portions  of  Scripture  be  some 
times  expounded,  and  particularly  improved,  for  the  in¬ 
struction  of  the  people  in  the  meaning  and  use  of  the 
Sacred  Oracles. 

III.  The  method  of  preaching  requires  much  study, 
meditation,  and  prayer.  Ministers  ought,  in  general,  to 
prepare  their  sermons  with  care ;  and  not  to  indulge  them 
selves  in  loose,  extemporary  harangues ;  nor  to  serve  God 
with  that  which  cost  them  naught.  They  ought,  however, 
to  keep  to  the  simplicity  of  the  gospel :  expressing  them¬ 
selves  in  language  agreeable  to  Scripture,  and  level  to  tbe 
understanding  of  the  meanest  of  their  hearers ;  carefull  j 
avoiding  ostentation,  either  of  parts  or  learning.  They 
ought  also  to  adorn,  by  their  lives,  the  doctrine  which 
they  teach  ;  and  to  be  examples  to  the  believers,  in  word, 
in  conversation,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity. 

IV.  As  one  primary  design  of  public  ordinances  is  to 
pay  social  acts  of  homage  to  the  most  high  God,  ministers 
ought  to  be  careful  not  to  make  their  sermons  so  long  as 
to  interfere  with  or  exclude  the  more  important  duties  of 
prayer  and  praise;  but  preserve  a  just  proportion  between 
the  several  parts  of  public  worship. 

V.  The  sermon  being  ended,  the  minister  is  to  pray,  and 
return  thanks  to  almighty  God :  then  let  a  psalm  be  sung, 
and  the  assembly  dismissed  with  the  apostolic  benediction. 

VI.  It  is  expedient  that  no  person  be  introduced  to 
preach  in  any  of  the  churches  under  our  care,  unless 
by  the  consent  of  the  pastor  or  church  session. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM. 

I.  Baptism  is  not  to  be  unnecessarily  delayed ;  nor  to 
be  administered,  in  any  case,  by  any  private  person  ;  but 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP, 


435 


by  a  minister  of  Christ,  called  to  be  the  steward  of  the 
mysteries  of  God. 

It  is  usually  to  be  administered  in  the  church,  in  the 
presence  of  the  congregation  ;  and  it  is  convenient  that  it 
be  performed  immediately  after  sermon. 

Ot  the  expediency  of  performing  this  service  in  other 
places  than  the  church,  the  minister  shall  be  the  judge. 

II.  Of  the  administration  of  baptism  to  infants: 

After  previous  notice  is  given  to  the  minister,  the  child 
to  be  baptized  is  to  be  presented,  by  one  or  both  the  par¬ 
ents,  signifying  their  desire  that  the  child  may  be  baptized. 

Before  baptism,  let  the  minister  use  some  words  of  in¬ 
struction  respecting  the  institution,  nature,  use,  and  ends 
of  this  ordinance  ;  showing : 

“  That  it  is  instituted  by  Christ,  that  it  is  a  seal  of  the 
righteousness  of  faith ;  that  the  seed  of  the  faithful  have 
no  less  a  right  to  this  ordinance,  under  the  Gospel,  than 
the  seed  of  Abraham  to  circumcision,  under  the  Old 
Testament;  that  Christ  commanded  all  nations  to  be 
baptized ;  that  he  blessed  little  children,  declaring  that 
of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven ;  that  children  are 
federally  holy,  and  therefore  ought  to  be  baptized ;  that 
we  are  by  nature  sinful,  guilty,  and  polluted,  and  have 
need  of  cleansing  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  by  the  sancti¬ 
fying  influences  of  the  Spirit  of  God.” 

The  minister  is  also  to  exhort  the  parents  to  the  careful 
performance  of  their  duty,  requiring : 

“  That  they  teach  the  child  to  read  the  Word  of  God, 
that  they  instruct  him  in  the  principles  of  our  holy  reli¬ 
gion,  as  contained  in  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testament;  an  excellent  summary  of  which  we  have  in 
the  Confession  of  Faith  of  this  Church,  and  in  the  Larger 
and  Shorter  Catechisms  of  the  Westminster  Assembly, 
which  are  to  be  recommended  to  them,  as  adopted  by  this 
Church,  for  their  direction  and  assistance  in  the  discharge 
of  this  important  duty  ;  that  they  pray  with  and  for  the 
child ;  that  they  set  an  example  of  piety  and  godliness 


436 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


before  him,  and  endeavor  by  all  the  means  of  God’s  ap¬ 
pointment  to  bring  up  their  child  in  the  nurture  and  ad¬ 
monition  of  the  Lord.” 

Then  the  minister  is  to  pray  for  a  blessing  to  attend  this 
ordinance ;  after  which,  calling  the  child  by  name,  he 
shall  say  : 

“  I  baptize  thee,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.” 

As  he  pronounces  these  words,  he  is  to  baptize  the  child 
with  water,  by  pouring  or  sprinkling  it  on  the  head  of  the 
child,  without  adding  any  other  ceremony  ;  and  the  whole 
shall  be  concluded  with  prayer. 

III.  Of  the  administration  of  baptism  to  adults : 

When  unbaptized  persons  are  to  be  admitted  into  the 
Church,  they  shall,  in  ordinary  cases,  after  giving  satis¬ 
faction  with  respect  to  their  knowledge  and  piety,  make  a 
public  profession  of  their  faith  in  the  presence  of  the  con¬ 
gregation  ;  and  thereupon  be  baptized. 

Before  baptism,  let  the  minister  use  some  words  of  in¬ 
struction  respecting  the  institution,  nature,  use,  and  ends 
of  this  ordinance,  showing : 

“That  it  is  instituted  by  Christ;  that  our  Lord  com¬ 
manded  His  disciples  to  baptize  believers  of  every  nation  ; 
that  it  is  a  sacrament  wherein  the  washing  with  water,  in 
the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holv 
Ghost,  doth  signify  and  seal  our  engrafting  into  Christ, 
and  partaking  of  the  benefits  of  the  covenant  of  grace, 
and  our  engagement  to  be  the  Lord’s;  that  it  is  not 
to  be  administered  to  any  that  are  out  of  the  visible 
Church  till  they  profess  their  faith  in  Christ  and  obe¬ 
dience  to  Him ;  that  it  becomes  an  effectual  means  of  * 
salvation,  not  from  any  virtue  in  it,  or  in  him  that 
doth  administer  it,  but  only  by  the  blessing  of  Christ, 
and  the  working  of  His  Spirit  in  them  that  by  faith 
receive  it.” 

The  minister  shall  then  propose  to  the  person  to  be 
baptized  the  following  or  similar  questions,  to  wit: 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


437 


“  Do  you  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  only  begotten 
Son  of  God  and  the  only  Saviour  from  sin?” 

“  Is  it  your  desire  to  be  baptized  in  this  faith?” 

Then  the  minister  shall  baptize  the  candidate  by  pour¬ 
ing  or  sprinkling  water  upon  his  head  and  using  these 
words : 

“  I  baptize  thee,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.” 

The  administration  of  the  sacrament  shall  be  concluded 
with  prayer. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

I.  The  Communion,  or  Supper  of  the  Lord,  is  to  be  cele¬ 
brated  frequently ;  but  how  often,  may  be  determined  by 
the  minister  and  eldership  of  each  congregation,  as  they 
may  judge  most  for  edification. 

II.  The  ignorant  and  scandalous  are  not  to  be  admitted 
to  the  Lord’s  Supper. 

III.  It  is  proper  that  public  notice  should  be  given  to 
the  congregation,  at  least  the  Sabbath  before  the  admin¬ 
istration  of  this  ordinance,  and  that,  either  then,  or  on  some 
day  of  the  week,  the  people  be  instructed  in  its  nature,  and 
a  due  preparation  for  it ;  that  all  may  t  ome  in  a  suitable 
manner  to  this  holy  feast. 

IV.  When  the  sermon  is  ended,  the  minister  shall  show, 

“  That  this  is  an  ordinance  of  Christ ;  by  reading  the 

“  words  of  institution,  either  from  one  of  the  evangelists, 
“  or  from  1  Cor.  xi.  chapter ;  which,  as  to  him  may  appear 
“ expedient,  he  may  explain  and  apply;  that  it  is  to  b* 
u  observed  in  remembrance  of  Christ,  to  show  forth  his 


438 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP . 


u  death  till  he  come;  that  it  is  of  inestimable  benefit 
“  to  strengthen  his  people  against  sin ;  to  support  :hem 

jnder  troubles  ;  to  encourage  and  quicken  them  in  duty  ; 
“  to  inspire  them  with  love  and  zeal ;  to  increase  their 
“faith,  and  holy  resolution;  and  to  beget  peace  of  con- 
“  science,  and  comfortable  hopes  of  eternal  life.” 

He  is  to  warn  the  profane,  the  ignorant,  and  scandalous, 
and  those  that  secretly  indulge  themselves  in  any  known 
ein,  not  to  approach  the  Holy  Table.  On  the  other  hand, 
he  shall  invite  to  this  holy  table,  such  as,  sensible  of  their 
lost  and  helpless  state  of  sin,  depend  upon  the  atonement 
of  Christ  for  pardon  and  acceptance  with  God;  such  as, 
being  instructed  in  the  gospel  doctrine,  have  a  competent 
knowledge  to  discern  the  Lord’s  body;  and  such  as  desire 
to  renounce  their  sins,  and  are  determined  to  lead  a  holy 
and  godly  life. 

V.  The  table,  on  which  the  elements  are  placed,  being 
decently  covered,  the  bread  in  convenient  dishes,  and  the 
wine  in  cups,  and  the  communicants  orderly  and  gravely 
sitting  around  the  table,  (or  in  their  seats  before  it,)  in  the 
presence  of  the  minister ;  let  him  set  the  elements  apart, 
by  prayer  and  thanksgiving. 

The  bread  and  wine  being  thus  set  apart  by  prayer  and 
thanksgiving,  the  minister  is  to  take  the  bread,  and  break 
it,  in  the  view  of  the  people,  saying,  in  expressions  of  this 
sort : — 

“Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  same  night  in  which 
"  he  was  betrayed,  having  taken  bread,  and  blessed  and 
“ broken  it,  gave  it  to  his  disciples;  as  I,  ministering  in  his 
“  name,  give  this  bread  unto  you;  saying,  [here  the  bread 
“is  to  be  distributed]  Take,  eat:  this  is  my  body,  which 
u  is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.” 

After  having  given  the  bread,  he  shall  take  the  cup, 
and  say — 

“  After  the  same  manner  our  Saviour  also  took  the  cup ; 
“  and  having  given  thanks,  as  hath  been  done  in  his  name, 
u  he  gave  it  to  the  disciples ;  saying,  [while  the  minister  is 
“  repeating  these  words  let  him  give  the  cup]  This  cup  is 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP . 


439 


u  the  new  testament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shec  foi  many 
“  for  the  remission  of  sins:  drink  ye  all  of  it.” 

The  minister  himself  is  to  communicate,  at  such  time 
as  may  appear  to  him  most  convenient. 

The  minister  may,  in  a  few  words,  put  the  communv 
cants  in  mind — 

“Of  the  grace  of  God,  in  Jesus  Christ,  held  forth' in 
‘  this  Sacrament ;  and  of  their  obligation  to  be  the  Lord’s  ; 
“  and  may  exhort  them  to  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation 
‘  wherewith  they  are  called ;  and,  as  they  have  professedly 
“  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  that  they  be  careful  so 
“  to  walk  in  him,  and  to  maintain  good  works.” 

It  may  not  be  improper  for  the  minister  to  give  a  word 
of  exhortation  also  to  those  who  have  been  only  specta¬ 
tors,  reminding  them — 

“  Of  their  duty ;  stating  their  sin  and  danger,  by  living 
“  in  disobedience  to  Christ,  in  neglecting  this  holy  ordi- 
“  nance ;  and  calling  upon  them  to  be  earnest  in  making 
“  preparation  for  attending  upon  it,  at  the  next  time  of 
“its  celebration.” 

Then  the  minister  is  to  pray  and  give  thanks  to  God, 

“For  his  rich  mercy,  and  invaluable  goodness,  vouch- 
“safed  to  them  in  that  sacred  communion;  to  implore 
“  pardon  for  the  defects  of  the  whole  service ;  and  to  pray 
“  for  the  acceptance  of  their  persons  and  performances ; 
“  for  the  gracious  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  enable 
“  them,  as  they  have  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  to 
“  walk  in  him ;  that  they  may  hold  fast  that  which  they 
“  have  received,  that  no  man  take  their  crown  ;  that  their 
‘  conversation  may  be  as  becometh  the  gospel;  that  they 
1  may  bear  about  with  them,  continually,  the  dying  of  the 
M  Lord  Jesus,  that  the  life  also  of  Jesus  may  be  manifested 
“  in  their  mortal  body;  that  their  light  may  so  shine  be- 
*  fore  men,  that  others,  seeing  their  good  works,  may  glorify 
M  their  Father  who  is  in  heaven.” 

The  collection  for  the  poor,  and  to  defray  the  expense  of 
the  elements,  may  be  made  after  this ;  or  at  such  other  time 
*g  may  seem  meet  to  the  eldership. 


440 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


Now  let  a  psalm  or  hymn  be  sung,  and  the  congregation 
dismissed,  with  the  following  or  some  other  gospel  bene¬ 
diction  : 

“  Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  *rom  the 
udead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep, 
“  through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make 
“you  perfect  in  every  good  work  to  do  his  will,  work¬ 
ing  in  you  that  which  is  well-pleasing  in  his  sight, 
“through  Jesus  Christ;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and 
“  ever.  Amen.” 

VI.  As  it  lias  been  customary,  in  some  parts  of  our 
Church,  to  observe  a  fast  before  the  Lord’s  Supper ;  to 
have  a  sermon  on  Saturday  and  Monday ;  and  to  invite 
two  or  three  ministers  on  such  occasions ;  and  as  these 
seasons  have  been  blessed  to  many  souls,  and  may  tend 
to  keep  up  a  stricter  union  of  ministers  and  congrega¬ 
tions  ;  we  think  it  not  improper  that  they  who  choose  it 
may  continue  in  this  practice. 


CHAPTER  X. 

OF  THE  ADMISSION  TO  FULL  COMMUNION  OF  PERSONS 

BAPTIZED  IN  INFANCY. 


I.  Children,  born  within  the  pale  of  the  visible  Church, 
and  dedicated  to  God  in  baptism,  are  under  the  inspection 
and  government  of  the  Church ;  and  are  to  be  taught  to 
read  and  repeat  the  Catechism,  the  Apostles’  Creed,  and 
the  Lord’s  Prayer.  They  are  to  be  taught  to  pray,  to 
abhor  sin,  to  fear  God,  and  to  obey  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
And  when  they  come  to  years  of  discretion,  if  they  be 
free  from  scandal,  appear  sober  and  steady,  and  to  have 
sufficient  knowledge  to  discern  the  Lord’s  body,  they 
ought  to  be  informed  it  is  their  duty  and  their  privilege 
to  come  to  the  Lord’s  Supper. 

II.  The  years  of  discretion  in  young  Christians  cannot 
be  precisely  fixed.  This  must  be  left  to  the  prudence  of 
the  session. 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


441 


III.  When  persons  baptized  in  infancy  are  to  be  ad¬ 
mitted  to  full  communion  with  the  Church,  they  shall  be 
examined  as  to  their  knowledge  and  piety,  and  shall  in 
ordinary  cases,  with  the  approval  of  the  session,  make  a 
public  profession  of  their  faith,  in  the  presence  of  the 
congregation. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

OF  THE  MODE  OF  INFLICTING  AND  REMOVING  CENSURES. 

I.  The  power  which  Christ  has  given  the  rulers  of  his 
Church  is  for  edification,  and  not  destruction.  When, 
therefore,  a  communicant  shall  have  been  found  guilty 
of  a  fault  deserving  censure,  the  judicatory  shall  proceed 
with  all  tenderness,  and  restore  the  offending  brother  in 
the  spirit  of  meekness,  its  members  considering  them¬ 
selves,  lest  they  also  be  tempted.  Censure  ought  to  be 
inflicted  with  great  solemnity:  that  it  may  be  the  means 
of  impressing  the  mind  of  the  delinquent  with  a  proper 
sense  of  his  sin ;  and  that,  with  the  divine  blessing,  it 
may  lead  him  to  repentance. 

II.  When  the  judicatory  has  resolved  to  pass  sentence, 
suspending  a  communicant  from  church  privileges,  the 
Moderator  shall  pronounce  the  sentence  in  the  following 
form : 

“Whereas  you  have  been  found  guilty  [by  your  own  con - 
''fession,  or  by  sufficient  proof  \  as  the  case  may  be]  of  the 
“sin  of  [here  mention  the  particular  offence],  we  declare 
“you  suspended  from  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Sup- 
;t  per,  till  you  give  satisfactory  evidence  of  repentance.” 

To  this  shall  be  added  such  advice,  admonition,  or  re¬ 
buke,  as  may  be  judged  necessary ;  and  the  whole  shall  be 
concluded  with  prayer  to  Almighty  God,  that  he  would 
follow  this  act  of  discipline  with  his  blessing.  In  gene¬ 
ral,  such  censure  should  be  inflicted  in  the  presence  of  the 
judicatory  only;  but,  if  the  judicatory  think  it  expedient 


442 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


to  rebuke  the  offender  publicly,  this  solemn  suspension 
may  be  in  the  presence  of  the  church. 

III.  After  a  person  has  been  thus  suspended,  the  minis¬ 
ister  and  elders  should  frequently  converse  with  him,  as 
well  as  pray  for  him  in  private,  that  it  would  please  God 
to  give  him  repentance.  And,  particularly  on  days  prepar¬ 
atory  to  the  dispensing  of  the  Lord’s  Supper,  the  prayen 
of  the  church  should  be  offered  up  for  those  who  have 
shut  themselves  out  from  this  holy  Communion. 

IV.  When  the  judicatory  shall  be  satisfied  as  to  the 
reality  of  the  repentance  of  any  suspended  member,  he 
shall  be  allowed  to  profess  his  repentance,  and  be  restored 
to  fellowship,  in  the  presence  of  the  session,  or  of  the 
church. 

V.  When  a  suspended  person  has  failed  to  manifest 
repentance  for  his  offence,  and  has  continued  in  obsti¬ 
nate  impenitence  not  less  than  a  year,  it  may  become 
the  duty  of  the  judicatory  to  excommunicate  him  with¬ 
out  further  trial.  The  design  of  excommunication  is  to 
operate  upon  the  offender  as  a  means  of  reclaiming  him, 
to  deliver  the  Church  from  the  scandal  of  his  offence, 
and  to  inspire  all  with  fear  by  the  example  of  his  pun¬ 
ishment. 

VI.  When  a  judgment  of  excommunication  is  to  be  ex¬ 
ecuted,  with  or  without  previous  suspension,  it  is  proper 
that  the  sentence  be  publicly  pronounced  against  the 
offender. 

The  minister  shall,  therefore,  at  a  regular  meeting  of 
the  church,  make  a  brief  statement  of  the  several  steps 
which  have  been  taken,  with  respect  to  the  offender, 
announcing  that  it  has  been  fomd  necessary  to  excom¬ 
municate  him. 

He  shall  begin  by  showing  (from  Matt,  xviii.  15,  16, 
17,  18;  1  Cor  v.  1  2,  3,  4,  5)  the  power  of  the  Churcb 
to  cast  out  unworthy  members,  and  shall  briefly  explain 
the  nature,  use,  and  consequences  of  this  censure. 

Then  lie  shall  pronounce  the  sentence  in  the  follow¬ 
ing  or  like  form,  viz. : 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


443 


“  Whereas  A.  B.  hath  been,  by  sufficient  proof,  con¬ 
victed  of  [here  insert  the  sin] }  and  after  much  admonition 
and  prayer  refuseth  to  hear  the  church,  and  hath  mani¬ 
fested  no  evidence  of  repentance ;  therefore,  in  the  name, 
and  by  the  authority,  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I  pro- 
nounce  him  to  be  excluded  from  the  communion  of  this 
church.” 

After  which,  prayer  shall  be  made  for  the  conviction 
and  reformation  of  the  excommunicated  person,  and  for 
the  establishment  of  all  true  believers. 

But  the  judicatory  may  omit  the  publication  of  the 
excommunication,  when  it  judges  that  there  is  sufficient 
reason  for  such  omission. 

VII.  When  an  excommunicated  person  shall  be  so 
affected  by  his  state  as  to  be  brought  to  repentance,  and 
desires  to  be  readmitted  to  the  privileges  of  the  Church, 
the  session  of  the  church  which  excommunicated  him, 
having  obtained,  ana  placed  on  record,  sufficient  evidence 
of  his  sincere  repentance  and  deep  contrition,  shall  pro¬ 
ceed  to  restore  him,  recording,  in  explicit  terms,  the 
grounds  on  which  such  conclusion  has  been  reaches 

The  sentence  of  restoration  shall  be  pronounced  by  tnt> 
Minister,  at  a  regular  meeting  of  the  church  on  the  Lord's 
Day,  in  the  following  words : 

“  Whereas  A.  B.  has  been  excluded  from  the  commu¬ 
nion  of  the  Church,  but  has  now  given  satisfactory  evi¬ 
dence  of  repentance;  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  by  his  authority,  I  declare  him  absolved  from 
the  sentence  of  excommunication  formerly  pronounced 
against  him ;  and  I  do  restore  him  to  the  communion  of 
the  Church,  that  he  may  be  a  partaker  of  all  the  benefits 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  his  eternal  salvation.” 

After  which,  he  shall  be  commended  to  God  in  prayer. 

VIII.  Censures,  other  than  suspension  from  church 
privileges,  or  excommunication,  shall  be  inflicted  in  such 
mode  as  the  judicatory  may  direct. 


444 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

OF  THE  SOLEMNIZATION  OF  MARRIAGE. 

I  Marriage  is  not  a  Sacrament ;  nor  peculiar  to  the 
church  of  Christ.  It  is  proper  that  every  commonwealth, 
for  the  good  of  society,  make  laws  to  regulate  marriage ; 
which  all  citizens  are  bound  to  obey. 

II.  Christians  ought  to  marry  in  the  Lord:  therefore 
it  is  fit  that  their  marriage  be  solemnized  by  a  lawful 
minister;  that  special  instruction  may  be  given  them, 
and  suitable  prayers  made,  when  they  enter  into  this 
relation. 

III.  Marriage  is  to  be  between  one  man  and  one  wo¬ 
man  only :  and  they  are  not  to  be  within  the  degrees  of 
consanguinity  or  affinity  prohibited  by  the  word  of  God. 

IV.  The  parties  ought  to  be  of  such  years  of  discre¬ 
tion  as  to  be  capable  of  making  their  own  choice:  and 
if  they  be  under  age,  or  live  with  their  parents,  the  con¬ 
sent  of  the  parents  or  others,  under  whose  care  they  are, 
ought  to  be  previously  obtained,  and  well  certified  to  the 
minister,  before  he  proceeds  to  solemnize  the  marriage. 

V.  Parents  ought  neither  to  compel  their  children  to 
marry  contrary  to  their  inclinations,  nor  deny  their  con¬ 
sent  without  just  and  important  reasons. 

VI.  Marriage  is  of  a  public  nature.  The  welfare  of 
civil  society,  the  happiness  of  families,  and  the  credit  of 
religion,  are  deeply  interested  in  it.  Therefore  the  pur¬ 
pose  of  marriage  ought  to  be  sufficiently  published  a 
proper  time  previously  to  the  solemnization  of  it.  It  is 
enjoined  on  all  ministers  to  be  careful  that,  in  this  mat¬ 
ter,  they  neither  transgress  the  laws  of  God,  nor  the  laws 
of  the  community :  and  that  they  may  not  destrov  the 
peace  and  comfort  of  families,  they  must  be  propei Jy  cer 
tified  with  respect  to  the  parties  applying  to  them,  that 
no  just  objections  lie  against  their  marriage. 

VII.  Marriage  must  always  be  performed  before  a  com¬ 
petent  number  of  witnesses;  and  at  any  time,  except  on 


DIRECTOR  Y  FOR  WORSHIP . 


445 


a  day  of  public  humiliation.  And  we  advise  that  it  be 
not  on  the  Lord’s  Day.  And  the  minister  is  to  give  a 
certificate  of  the  marriage  when  required. 

VIII.  When  the  parties  present  themselves  for  mar¬ 
riage,  the  minister  is  to  desire,  if  there  is  any  person 
present  who  knows  any  lawful  reason  why  these  persons 
may  not  be  joined  together  in  the  marriage  relation,  that 
they  will  now  make  it  known,  or  ever  after  hold  their 
peace. 

No  objections  being  made,  he  is  then  severally  to  ad 
dress  himself  to  the  parties  to  be  married,  in  the  follow 
ing  or  like  words: 

“You,  the  man,  declare  in  the  presence  of  God,  that 
“  you  do  not  know  any  reason,  by  precontract  or  other 
“  wise,  why  you  may  not  lawfully  marry  this  woman.” 

Upon  his  declaring  he  does  not,  the  minister  shall  ad¬ 
dress  himself  to  the  bride,  in  the  same  or  similar  terms . 

“You,  the  woman,  declare  in  the  presence  of  God,  that 
“  you  do  not  know  any  reason,  by  precontract  or  other 
“  wise  why  you  may  not  lawfully  marry  this  man.” 

Upon  her  declaring  she  does  not,  he  is  to  begin  with 
prayer  for  the  presence  and  blessing  of  God. 

The  minister  shall  then  proceed  to  give  them  some  in¬ 
struction  from  the  scriptures,  respecting  the  institution 
and  duties  of  this  state,  showing — 

“That  God  hath  instituted  marriage  for  the  comfort 
‘  and  happiness  of  mankind,  in  declaring  a  man  shall 
’*  forsake  his  father  and  mother,  and  cleave  unto  his  wife ; 
“and  that  marriage  is  honorable  in  all;  that  he  hath  ap- 
“  pointed  various  duties,  which  are  incumbent  upon  those 
“  who  enter  into  this  relation ;  such  as,  a  high  esteem  and 
“mutual  love  for  one  another;  bearing  with  each  other’s 
“  infirmities  and  weaknesses,  to  which  human  nature  in 
“subject  in  its  present  lapsed  state;  to  encourage  each 
“other  under  the  various  ills  of  .life  ;  to  comfort  one  an- 
“  other  in  sickness ;  in  honesty  and  industry  to  provide  foi 
“  each  other’s  temporal  support ;  to  pray  for  and  encour- 
“  age  one  another  in  the  things  which  pertain  to  God,  and 


446 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


“  to  tlieir  immortal  souls;  and  to  live  together  as  the  heirs 
"  of  the  grace  of  life.” 

Then  the  minister  shall  cause  the  bridegroom  and  bride 
to  join  their  hands,  and  shall  pronounce  the  marriage  cov¬ 
enant,  first  to  the  man,  in  these  words: 

“  You  take  this  woman,  whom  you  hold  by  the  hand,  to 
‘  be  your  lawful  and  married  wife ;  and  you  promise,  and 
“  covenant,  in  the  presence  of  God  and  these  witnesses, 
“  that  you  will  be  unto  her  a  loving  and  faithful  lius- 
“  band,  until  you  shall  be  separated  by  death.” 

The  bridegroom  shall  express  his  consent,  by  saying. 
“  Yes,  I  do.” 

Then  the  minister  shall  address  himself  to  the  woman, 
in  these  words : 

‘‘You  take  this  man,  whom  you  hold  by  the  hand,  to 
“  be  your  lawful  and  married  husband ;  and  you  prom- 
“  ise,  and  covenant  in  the  presence  of  God  and  these  wit- 
“  nesses,  that  you  will  be  unto  him  a  loving,  faithful,  and 
‘‘  obedient  wife,  until  you  shall  be  separated  by  death.” 

The  bride  shall  express  her  consent,  by  saying,  “  Yes, 
“I  do.” 

Then  the  minister  is  to  say, 

“  I  pronounce  you  husband  and  wife,  according  to  the 

ordinance  of  God ;  whom  therefore  God  hath  joined 
“  together  let  no  man  put  asunder.” 

After  this  the  minister  may  exhort  them  in  a  few  words, 
to  the  mutual  discharge  of  tbeir  duty. 

Then  let  him  conclude  with  prayer  suitable  to  the  occa¬ 
sion. 

Let  the  minister  keep  a  proper  register  for  the  names 
of  all  persons  whom  he  marries,  and  of  the  time  of  tlieir 
marriage,  for  the  perusal  of  all  whom  it  may  concern. 


DJBECTOBY  FOB  WOBSBIP. 


447 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

OF  THE  VISITATION  OF  THE  SICK. 

I.  When  persons  are  sick,  it  is  their  duty,  before  theii 
strength  and  understanding  fail  them,  to  send  for  their 
minister,  and  to  make  known  to  him,  with  prudence,  their 
spiritual  state;  or  to  consult  him  on  the  concerns  of  their 
precious  souls.  And  it  is  his  duty  to  visit  them,  at  their 
request,  and  to  apply  himself,  with  all  tenderness  and  love, 
to  administer  spiritual  good  to  their  immortal  souls. 

II.  He  shall  instruct  the  sick  out  of  the  Scriptures,  that 
diseases  arise  not  out  of  the  ground,  nor  do  they  come  by 
chance ;  but  that  they  are  directed  and  sent  by  a  wise  and 
holy  God,  either  for  correction  of  sin,  for  the  trial  of  grace, 
for  improvement  in  religion,  or  for  other  important  ends: 
and  that  they  shall  work  together  for  good  to  all  those 
who  make  a  wise  improvement  of  God’s  visitation,  neither 
despising  his  chastening  hand,  nor  fainting  under  his  re¬ 
bukes. 

III.  If  the  minister  finds  the  sick  person  to  be  grossly 
ignorant,  he  shall  instruct  him  in  the  nature  of  repent¬ 
ance  and  faith,  and  the  way  of  acceptance  with  God, 
through  the  mediation  and  atonement  of  Jesus  Christ. 

IV.  He  shall  exhort  the  sick  to  examine  himself;  to 
search  his  heart,  and  try  his  former  ways,  by  the  word 
of  God ;  and  shall  assist  him,  by  mentioning  some  of  the 
obvious  marks  and  evidences  of  sincere  piety. 

V.  If  the  sick  shall  signify  any  scruple,  doubt,  or  temp¬ 
tation,  under  which  he  labors,  the  minister  must  endeavor 
to  resolve  his  doubts,  and  administer  instruction  and  direc¬ 
tion,  as  the  case  may  seem  to  require. 

VI.  If  the  sick  appear  to  be  a  stupid,  thoughtless  and 
hardened  sinner,  he  shall  endeavor  to  awaken  his  mind ; 
to  arouse  his  conscience ;  to  convince  him  of  the  evil  and 
danger  of  sin ;  of  the  curse  of  the  law,  and  the  wrath  of 
God  due  to  sinners ;  to  bring  him  to  an  humble  and  peni¬ 
tential  sense  of  his  iniquities ;  and  to  state  before  him  the 
fullness  of  the  grace  and  mercy  of  God,  in  and  through  the 


448 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


glorious  Redeemer;  the  absolute  necessity  of  faith  and 
repentance,  in  order  to  his  being  interested  in  the  favoi 
of  God,  or  his  obtaining  everlasting  happiness. 

VII.  If  the  sick  person  shall  appear  to  have  knowledge, 
to  be  of  a  tender  conscience,  and  to  have  been  endeavor¬ 
ing  to  serve  God  in  uprightness,  though  not  without  many 
failings  and  sinful  infirmities;  or  if  his  spirit  be  broken 
with  a  sense  of  sin,  or  through  apprehensions  of  the  want 
of  the  divine  favor ;  then  it  will  be  proper  to  administer 
consolation  and  encouragement  to  him,  by  setting  before 
him  the  freeness  and  riches  of  the  grace  of  God,  the  all- 
sufficiency  of  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  and  the  sup¬ 
porting  promises  of  the  gospel. 

VIII.  The  minister  must  endeavor  to  guard  the  sick 
person  against  ill-grounded  persuasions  of  the  mercy  of 
God,  without  a  vital  union  to  Christ ;  and  against  unrea¬ 
sonable  fears  of  death,  and  desponding  discouragements  ; 
against  presumption  upon  his  own  goodness  and  merit, 
npon  the  one  hand,  and  against  despair  of  the  mercy  and 
grace  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  other. 

IX.  In  one  word,  it  is  the  minister’s  duty  to  administer 
to  the  sick  person  instruction,  conviction,  support,  conso¬ 
lation,  or  encouragement,  as  his  case  may  seem  to  require. 

At  a  proper  time,  when  he  is  most  composed,  the  minis¬ 
ter  shall  pray  with  and  for  him. 

X.  Lastly,  the  minister  may  improve  the  present  occa¬ 
sion  to  exhort  those  about  the  sick,  to  consider  their  mor¬ 
tality  ;  to  turn  to  the  Lord  and  make  their  peace  with  him ; 
in  health  to  prepare  for  sickness,  death,  and  judgment. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

OF  THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 

L  When  any  person  departs  this  life,  let  the  coq>se  be 
taken  care  of  in  a  decent  manner ;  and  be  kept  a  proper 
and  sufficient  time  before  interment. 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


449 


II.  When  the  season  for  the  funeral  comes,  let  the  dead 
body  be  decently  attended  to  the  grave,  and  interred.  Dur¬ 
ing  such  solemn  occasions,  let  all  who  attend  conduct 
themselves  with  becoming  gravity ;  and  apply  themselves 
to  serious  meditation  or  discourse:  and  the  minister,  il 
present,  may  exhort  them  to  consider  the  frailty  of  life, 
ind  the  importance  of  being  prepared  for  death  am' 
eternity. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

OF  FASTING ,  AND  OF  THE  OBSERVATION  OF  THE  DATS 

OF  THANKSGIVING. 

I.  There  is  no  day  under  the  gospel  commanded  to  be 
kept  holy,  except  the  Lord’s  Day,  which  is  the  Christian 
Sabbath. 

II.  Nevertheless,  to  observe  days  of  fasting  and  thanks¬ 
giving,  as  the  extraordinary  dispensations  of  divine  provi¬ 
dence  may  direct,  we  judge  both  scriptural  and  rational. 

III.  Fasts  and  thanksgivings  may  be  observed  by  indi¬ 
vidual  Christians ;  or  families,  in  private ;  by  particular 
congregations ;  by  a  number  of  congregations  contiguous 
to  each  other;  by  the  congregations  under  the  care  of  a 
presbytery,  or  of  a  synod ;  or  by  all  the  congregations  of 
our  Church. 

IV.  It  must  be  left  to  the  judgment  and  discretion  of 
every  Christian  and  family  to  determine  when  it  is  proper  to 
observe  a  private  fast  or  thanksgiving ;  and  to  the  church - 
sessions  to  determine  for  particular  congregations ;  and  to 
the  presbyteries  or  synods  to  determine  for  larger  districts. 
When  it  is  deemed  expedient  that  a  fast  or  thanksgiving 
should  be  general,  the  call  for  them  must  be  judged  of  by 
the  synod  or  General  Assembly.  And  if  at  any  time  the 
civil  power  should  think  it  proper  to  appoint  a  fast  or 
thanksgiving,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  ministers  and  people 
of  our  communion,  as  we  live  under  a  Christian  govern¬ 
ment,  to  pay  all  due  respect  to  the  same. 

29 


450  DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP 

V.  Public  notice  is  to  be  given  a  convenient  time  oe* 
fore  the  day  of  fasting  or  thanksgiving  comes,  that  per¬ 
sons  may  so  order. their  temporal  affairs  that  they  may 
properly  attend  to  the  duties  thereof. 

VI.  There  shall  be  public  worship  upon  all  such  days* 
and  let  the  prayers,  psalms,  portions  of  Scripture  tc  be 
read,  and  sermons,  be  all  in  a  special  manner  adapted  to 
the  occasion. 

VII.  On  fast  days,  let  the  minister  point  out  the  author¬ 
ity  and  providences  calling  to  the  observation  thereof;  and 
let  him  spend  a  more  than  usual  portion  of  time  in  solemn 
prayer,  particular  confession  of  sin,  especially  of  the  sins 
of  the  day  and  place,  with  their  aggravations,  which  have 
brought  down  the  judgments  of  heaven.  And  let  the 
whole  day  be  spent  in  deep  humiliation  and  mourning 
before  God. 

VIII.  On  days  of  thanksgiving,  he  is  to  give  the  like 
information  respecting  the  authority  and  providences 
which  call  to  the  observance  of  them ;  and  to  spend  a 
more  than  usual  part  of  the  time  in  the  giving  of  thanks, 
agreeably  to  the  occasion,  and  in  singing  psalms  or  hymns 
of  praise. 

It  is  the  duty  of  people  on  these  days  to  rejoice  with 
noly  gladness  of  heart;  but  let  trembling  be  so  joined 
with  our  mirth,  that  no  excess  or  unbecoming  levity  be 
indulged. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

THE  DIRECTORY  FOR  SECRET  AND  FAMILY  WORSHIP. 

I.  Besides  the  public  worship  in  congregations,  it  is 
die  indispensable  duty  of  each  person,  alone,  in  secret; 
and  of  every  family,  by  itself,  in  private,  to  pray  to,  and 
worship  God. 

II.  Secret  worship  is  most  plainly  enjoined  by  our  Lord. 
In  this  duty  every  one,  apart  by  himself,  is  to  spend  some 


DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


451 


time  in  prayer,  reading  the  Scriptures,  holy  meditation, 
and  serious  self-examination.  The  many  advantages  aris¬ 
ing  from  a  conscientious  discharge  of  these  duties,  are  best 
known  to  those  who  are  found  in  the  faithful  discharge 
of  them. 

III.  Family  worship,  which  ought  to  be  performed  by 
every  family,  ordinarily  morning  and  evening,  consists  in 
prayer,  reading  the  Scriptures,  and  singing  praises. 

IV.  The  head  of  the  family,  who  is  to  lead  in  this  ser¬ 
vice,  ought  to  be  careful  that  all  the  members  of  his  house¬ 
hold  duly  attend;  and  that  none  withdraw  themselves 
unnecessarily  from  any  part  of  family  worship ;  and  that 
all  refrain  from  their  common  business  while  the  Script¬ 
ures  are  read,  and  gravely  attend  to  the  same,  no  less  than 
when  prayer  or  praise  is  offered  up. 

V.  Let  the  heads  of  families  be  careful  to  instruct  their 
children  and  servants  in  the  principles  of  religion.  Every 
proper  opportunity  ought  to  be  embraced  for  such  instruc¬ 
tion.  But  we  are  of  opinion,  that  the  Sabbath  evenings, 
after  public  worship,  should  be  sacredly  preserved  for  this 
purpose.  Therefore  we  highly  disapprove  of  paying  un¬ 
necessary  private  visits  on  the  Lord’s  Day;  admitting 
strangers  into  the  families,  except  when  necessity  or  char¬ 
ity  requires  it ;  or  any  other  practices,  whatever  plausible 
pretences  may  be  offered  in  their  favor,  if  they  interfere 
with  the  above  important  and  necessary  duty. 


CONSTITUTIONAL  KULES. 


[Adopted  under  the  provisions  of  the  Form  of  Government 

Chapter  xii.,  Sect,  vi.] 


No.  1. 

(Adopted,  1893.) 

LOCAL  EVANGELISTS. 

It  shall  be  lawful  for  presbytery,  after  proper  examina¬ 
tion  as  to  his  piety,  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
ability  to  teach,  to  license,  as  a  local  evangelist,  any  male 
member  of  the  Church,  who,  in  the  judgment  of  presby¬ 
tery,  is  qualified  to  teach  the  gospel  publicly,  and  who  is 
willing  to  engage  in  such  service  under  the  direction  of 
presbytery.  Such  license  shall  be  valid  for  but  one  year 
unless  renewed,  and  such  licensed  local  evangelist  shall 
report  to  the  presbytery  at  least  once  each  year,  and  his 
license  may  be  withdrawn  at  any  time  at  the  pleasure  of 
presbytery.  The  person  securing  such  license  shall  not 
be  ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry,  should  he  desire  to 
enter  it,  until  he  shall  have  served  at  least  four  years  as  a 
local  evangelist,  and  shall  have  pursued  and  been  exam¬ 
ined  upon  what  would  be  equivalent  to  a  three  years’ 
course  of  study  in  theology,  homiletics,  Church  history, 
Church  polity,  and  the  English  Bible,  under  the  direction 
of  presbytery. 


453 


454 


CONSTITUTIONAL  RULES. 


No.  2. 

(Adopted,  1897.) 

TRIALS  FOR  LICENSURE. 

Candidates  for  licensure,  in  addition  to  the  examina¬ 
tion  required  by  chap,  xiv.,  sec.  4,  of  the  Form  of  Gov¬ 
ernment,  shall  be  diligently  examined  in  the  English 
Bible ;  and  shall  be  required  to  exhibit  a  good  knowledge 
of  its  contents,  and  of  the  relation  of  its  separate  parts 
and  portions  to  each  other. 

No.  3. 

(Adopted,  1901.) 

CANDIDATES  FOR  THE  MINISTRY. 

I.  Every  applicant  seeking  to  be  taken  under  the  care 
of  presbytery  as  a  candidate  for  the  ministry  shall  file  his 
application  at  least  three  months  before  the  meeting  of 
presbytery,  addressing  the  same  to  the  chairman  of  the 
education  committee  of  the  presbytery,  in  the  care  of  the 
Stated  Clerk,  in  order  that  the  committee  may  have  ample 
time  to  make  a  careful  investigation  of  his  Christian  char¬ 
acter,  physical  and  mental  qualifications,  and  his  previous 
education ;  and  no  person  shall  be  received  by  presbytery 
as  a  candidate  for  the  ministry  who  has  not  been  recom¬ 
mended  by  the  session  of  the  church  of  which  he  is  a 
member,  under  whose  care  he  shall  have  been  for  a  period 
of  at  least  six  months.  And  no  exception  shall  be  made 
to  this  rule  without  a  unanimous  vote  of  presbytery. 

II.  Presbytery  shall  examine  annually,  in  person  or 
by  letter,  all  candidates  under  its  care,  concerning 
their  Christian  experience,  their  progress  in  study,  and 
their  fidelitv  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Church.  It  shall 
also  advise  with  them  concerning  their  course  of  study, 
and  the  institutions  in  which  they  are  to  pursue  their 
studies. 


APPENDIX. 


455 


APPENDIX  A. 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

[Administrative  acts  of  a  general  nature,  inserted  by  the 
authority  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1894,  Mins.  p.  169.] 

I  hereby  attest  that  the  copies  of  the  Acts  of  Assembly 
hereinafter  printed  are  true  copies. 

Wm.  Henry  Roberts,  Stated  Clerk. 

L 

ADJUSTMENTS  CONNECTED  WITH  REUNION. 

Concurrent  Declarations  of  the  General  As¬ 
semblies  of  1869. 

As  there  are  matters  pertaining  to  the  interests  of  the 
Church  when  it  shall  have  become  reunited,  which  will 
manifestly  require  adjustment  on  the  coming  together  of 
two  bodies  which  have  so  long  acted  separately,  and  con¬ 
cerning  some  of  which  matters  it  is  highly  desirable  that 
there  should  be  a  previous  good  understanding,  the  two 
Assemblies  agree  to  adopt  the  following  declarations,  not 
as  articles  of  compact  or  covenant,  but  as  in  their  judg¬ 
ment  proper  and  equitable  arrangements,  to  wit : 

(1)  All  the  ministers  and  churches  embraced  in  the  two 
bodies  should  be  admitted  to  the  same  standing  in  the 
united  body,  which  they  may  have  held  in  their  respective 
connections,  up  to  the  consummation  of  the  union. 

(2)  Imperfectly  organized  churches  are  counseled  and  ex¬ 
pected  to  become  thoroughly  Presbyterian,  as  early  within 
the  period  of  five  years  as  may  be  permitted  by  the  highest 

457 


458  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


interests  to  be  consulted ;  and  no  other  such  churches  shall 
be  hereafter  received. 

(3)  The  boundaries  of  the  several  Presbyteries  and 
Synods  should  be  adjusted  by  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  united  Church. 

(4)  The  official  records  of  the  two  Branches  of  the 
Church,  for  the  period  of  separation,  should  be  preserved 
and  held  as  making  up  the  one  history  of  the  Church  ;  and 
no  rule  or  precedent,  which  does  not  stand  approved  by 
both  the  bodies,  should  be  of  any  authority,  until  re-es¬ 
tablished  in  the  united  body,  except  in  so  far  as  such  rule 
or  precedent  may  affect  the  rights  of  property  founded 
thereon. 

(5)  The  corporate  rights,  now  held  by  the  two  General 
Assemblies,  and  by  their  Boards  and  Committees,  should, 
as  far  as  practicable,  be  consolidated,  and  applied  for  their 
several  objects,  as  defined  by  law. 

(6)  There  should  be  one  set  of  Committees  or  Boards  for 
Home  and  Foreign  Missions,  and  the  other  religious  enter¬ 
prises  of  the  Church,  which  the  churches  should  be  en¬ 
couraged  to  sustain,  though  free  to  cast  their  contributions 
into  other  channels,  if  thev  desire  to  do  so. 

(7)  As  soon  as  practicable  after  the  union  shall  have  been 
effected,  the  General  Assemblv  should  reconstruct  and  con- 
solidate  the  several  permanent  Committees  and  Boards, 
which  now  belong  to  the  two  Assemblies,  so  as  to  rep¬ 
resent,  as  far  as  possible,  with  impartiality,  the  views 
and  wishes  of  the  two  bodies  constituting  the  united 
Church. 

(8)  The  publications  of  the  Boards  of  Publication  and 
of  the  Publication  Committee  should  continue  to  be  issued 
as  at  present,  leaving  it  to  the  Board  of  Publication  of  the 
United  Church  to  revise  these  issues,  and  perfect  a  cata¬ 
logue  for  the  united  Church  so  as  to  exclude  invidious 
references  to  past  controversies. 

(9)  In  order  to  a  uniform  system  of  ecclesiastical  super¬ 
vision,  those  Theological  Seminaries  that  are  now  under 
Assembly  control  may,  if  their  Boards  of  Direction  so 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY .  459 


elect,  be  transferred  to  the  watch  and  care  of  one  or  more 
of  the  adjacent  Synods ;  and  the  other  Seminaries  are  ad¬ 
vised  to  introduce,  as  far  as  may  be,  into  their  constitu¬ 
tions,  the  principle  of  Synodical  or  Assembly  supervision, 
in  which  case,  they  shall  be  entitled  to  an  official  recog¬ 
nition  and  approbation  on  the  part  of  the  General  As¬ 
sembly. 

(10)  It  should  be  regarded  as  the  duty  of  all  our  judica¬ 
tories,  ministers  and  people  of  the  United  Church,  to  study 
the  things  which  make  for  peace,  and  to  guard  against  all 
needless  and  offensive  references  to  the  causes  that  have 
divided  us,  in  order  to  avoid  the  revival  of  past  issues,  by 
the  continuance  of  any  usage  in  either  branch  of  the 
Church  that  has  grown  out  of  former  conflicts,  it  is  earnestly 
recommended  to  the  lower  judicatories  of  the  Church  that 
they  conform  their  practice  in  relation  to  all  such  usages, 
as  far  as  is  consistent  with  their  convictions  of  duty,  to  the 
general  custom  of  the  Church  prior  to  the  controversies 
that  resulted  in  the  separation.  [1869,  0.  S.  p.  915,  N.  S. 
p.  278.] 

II. 

AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  CONSTITUTION. 

Act  regulating  the  Method  of  Declaring  and 
Enacting  the  Amendments  to  the  Constitution. 

Resolved ,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Stated  Clerk 
to  present  to  the  General  Assembly  next  ensuing  any  As¬ 
sembly  which  has  sent  down  an  Overture,  the  written 
answers  to  said  Overture  which  mav  have  been  received 
by  him  from  the  Presbyteries.  And  thereupon,  such  state¬ 
ment  from  the  Clerk,  together  with  the  written  answers  to 
said  Overture,  shall  be  referred  by  the  Assembly  to  a  Com¬ 
mittee  of  Canvass,  to  be  composed  of  three  ministers  and 
two  elders,  Commissioners  to  said  Assembly. 

And,  upon  the  report  of  such  Committee,  that  after  can¬ 
vassing  the  written  answers  of  the  Presbyteries  to  any 
Overture  or  Overtures,  amending  or  altering  the  Form  of 


460  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


Government,  the  Book  of  Discipline,  or  the  Directory  for 
Worship,  it  appears  that  it  has  been  approved  in  writing 
by  a  majority  of  the  Presbyteries,  then  General  Assem¬ 
bly  shall  by  resolution  declare  such  amendment  or  altera¬ 
tion  to  have  been  adopted,  as  a  part  of  the  Form  of  Gov¬ 
ernment,  Book  of  Discipline,  or  Directory  for  Worship,  (as 
the  case  may  be),  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America. 

And  further  upon  the  report  of  such  Committee,  that 
after  canvassing  the  written  answers  of  the  Presbyteries  to 
any  Overture  proposing  to  amend  or  alter  the  Confession 
of  Faith  or  the  Larger  or  Shorter  Catechism,  it  appears 
that  it  has  been  approved  in  writing  by  two-thirds  of  the 
Presbyteries,  the  General  Assembly  shall  proceed  to  take 
such  action  concerning  said  proposed  amendment  or  altera¬ 
tion  as  may  seem  expedient— under  Sec.  4  of  said  Chap, 
xxiii.  of  the  Form  of  Government,  concerning  Amend¬ 
ments — which  requires  said  amendment  or  alteration  to  be 
agreed  to  and  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly,  before  it 
becomes  a  part  of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  or  the  Larger 
or  Shorter  Catechism  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America.  [1891,  p.  442.] 

III. 

ASSEMBLY  FUNDS. 

1.  Act  regulating  the  Mileage  System. 

It  is  affirmed,  Form  of  Government ,  Chap.  xxii.  Sec.  3, 
that,  “  in  order,  as  far  as  possible,  to  procure  a  respectable 
and  full  delegation  to  all  our  judicatories,  it  is  proper  that 
the  expenses  of  ministers  and  elders  in  their  attendance 
on  these  judicatories,  be  defrayed  by  the  bodies  which  they 
respectively  represent.” 

The  principle  is  thus  established,  that  provision  should 
be  made  for  the  payment  of  the  traveling  expenses  of  Com¬ 
missioners  to  the  General  Assembly.  This  provision  should 
be  made  by  the  Presbyteries. 

As  far  as  possible,  the  feebler  Presbyteries  should  be 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  461 


aided  in  this  matter  by  the  stronger.  It  appears  just  and 
reasonable,  and  so  has  been  found  by  experience,  that  the 
estimated  contingent  expenses  of  each  Assembly,  and  the 
traveling  expenses  of  the  Commissioners  in  coming  to  and 
returning  from  the  Assembly  should  be  fully  met  by  the 
apportionment  of  the  whole  amount  among  the  several 
Presbyteries,  according  to  the  number  of  their  communi¬ 
cants  respectively.  Therefore,  Resolved , 

(1)  That  the  Standing  Committee  on  Mileage,  annually 
appointed,  be  instructed  to  present  an  estimate  of  the 
probable  amount  that  will  be  needed  by  the  next  General 
Assembly,  in  order  to  meet  their  contingent  expenses  and 
the  traveling  expenses  of  their  Commissioners,  with  a 
statement  of  the  per  capita  rate,  based  on  the  number  of 
communicants,  that  will  be  needed  to  secure  the  amount. 

(2)  That  the  Presbyteries,  at  their  Stated  Meeting  next 
following  the  adjournment  of  the  General  Assembly,  ap¬ 
portion  the  amount  required  of  their  Churches  as  they 
deem  best. 

(3)  That  the  Churches  be  instructed  to  pay  over  their 
respective  apportionments,  at  the  Stated  Meeting  of  their 
Presbyteries  next  preceding  the  meeting  of  the  General 
Assembly — the  whole  amount  due  from  the  Presbytery  to 
be  forwarded  to  the  Assembly.* 

(4)  That,  as  early  as  the  fourth  day  of  the  sessions  of  the 
Assembly,  the  apportionment  of  each  Presbytery  be  paid 
in  full,  and  a  bill  of  the  necessary  traveling  expenses  of 
its  Commissioners  be  presented  to  the  Standing  Committee 
on  Mileage.  N.  B. — It  is  understood  that  Commissioners, 
both  in  coming  to  and  returning  from  the  Assembly,  will 
avail  themselves  of  any  commutation  of  fares  that  may  be 
offered  in  season ;  and  that  in  other  cases  they  are  to  take, 
when  practicable,  the  most  economical  route;  no  allow¬ 
ance  to  be  made  for  extra  accommodation  along  the  way. 
Also,  that  no  one  will  charge  for  return  expenses  unless  he 
intends  to  go  back  to  his  field  of  labor ;  and  that  no  one 

*  The  Assembly  has  recommended  that  the  amount  due  be 
sent  to  its  Stated  Clerk  prior  to  the  meeting. 


462  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


on  a  business  tour,  or  excursion  of  pleasure,  will  make  a 
convenience  of  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  and  expect 
payment  of  his  traveling  expenses  from  the  Mileage  Fund. 
Also,  that  Commissioners,  as  soon  after  their  arrival  as 
practicable,  are  to  report  themselves  to  the  Committee  of 
Arrangements,  and  have  their  respective  places  of  abode 
assigned  them. 

(5)  That  the  Mileage  Committee,  after  appropriating 
from  the  whole  sum  an  amount  sufficient  to  meet  the  esti¬ 
mated  contingent  expenses  of  the  Assembly,  be  instructed 
to  audit  these  bills  and  pay  them  pro  rata  (if  found  in  ac¬ 
cordance  with  the  preceding  regulations),  as  far  as  the 
funds  will  permit. 

(6)  That,  in  order  to  avail  themselves  of  the  proceeds 
of  this  fund,  the  Presbvteries  must  contribute  their  full 
proportion  to  it  according  to  the  per  capita  rate. 

(7)  That  every  minister,  and  every  vacant  Church  con¬ 
tributing  to  this  fund,  connected  with  the  Presbyteries  thus 
complying  with  the  provisions  of  this  plan,  be  entitled  to 
a  copy  of  the  Annual  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly. 

(8)  That  the  Commissioners  from  Presbyteries  in  foreign 
lands  receive  their  necessary  traveling  expenses,  pro  rata, 
from  their  place  of  residence  in  this  country.  [1870,  as 
amended,  1875,  1877,  1884.] 

2.  Act  relating  to  the  Use  of  the  Funds. 

The  Assembly  has  no  power  to  devote  the  funds  collected 
for  the  expenses  of  the  Assembly  to  other  purposes.  [1891, 
p.  107.] 

3.  Act  relating  to  Recommendation  of  Churches, 

etc.,  for  Contributions. 

The  recommendation  of  any  particular  congregation 
to  the  benevolence  of  the  denomination,  by  the  General 
Assembly,  is  not  to  be  understood  as  creating  either  a  legal 
or  a  moral  obligation  upon  the  Assembly,  for  the  payment 
of  the  amount  recommended  to  be  contributed  by  the 
churches.  [1892,  p.  36;  1893,  p.  41.] 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  463 


IV. 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARIES. 

1.  Act  relating  to  the  Appointment  of  Pro¬ 
fessors  in  all  Theological  Seminaries. 

[The  Assembly  of  1870  passed  the  following  act,  the 
second  section  of  which  deals  with  the  Seminaries  estab¬ 
lished  by  the  Assembly.] 

(1)  Accepting  the  offer  so  generously  made  by  the 
Directors  of  the  Union  Theological  Seminary,  in  New 
York — a  Seminary  independent  hitherto  of  all  direct 
ecclesiastical  control — to  invest  the  General  Assembly 

4 / 

with  the  right  of  a  veto  in  the  election  of  Professors  in 
that  institution,  this  Assembly  would  invite  all  those 
theological  Seminaries  not  now  under  the  control  of  the 
General  Assembly  to  adopt  at  their  earliest  convenience 
the  same  rule  and  method,  to  the  end  that,  throughout 
the  whole  Presbyterian  Church,  there  may  be  uniform 
and  complete  confidence  in  those  entrusted  with  the  train¬ 
ing  of  our  candidates  for  the  ministry. 

(2)  That  the  several  Boards  of  Directors  of  those 
Seminaries  which  are  now  under  the  control  of  the 
General  Assembly  shall  be  authorized  to  elect,  suspend 
and  displace  the  Professors  of  the  Seminaries  under  their 
care,  subject  in  all  cases  to  the  veto  of  the  General 
Assembly,  to  whom  they  shall  annually  make  a  full 
report  of  their  proceedings,  and  to  whom  their  minutes 
shall  be  submitted  whenever  the  Assembly  shall  require 
them  to  be  produced.  These  boards  shall  further  be 
authorized  to  fix  the  salaries  of  the  Professors,  and  to  fill 
their  own  vacancies,  subject  in  all  cases  to  the  veto  of  the 
General  Assembly.  [1870,  p.  63.] 

2.  Act  relating  to  the  Time-limit  of  Veto. 

That  the  Assembly  declare  that  the  true  meaning  of 
the  act  subjecting  the  election  of  a  Professor  to  the  veto 
of  the  Assembly  is  that  such  election  be  reported  to  the 


464  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


next  General  Assembly  thereafter;  and  if  not  vetoed  by 
that  Assembly,  the  election  shall  be  regarded  as  complete, 
according  to  the  plan  ratified  by  the  Assembly  of  1870. 
[1871,  p.  58.] 

3.  Act  specifying  Conditions  upon  which  New 
Theological  Seminaries  will  be  Recognized. 

(1)  That  each  and  all  of  the  Seminaries  of  the  Church 
be  requested  to  secure,  at  the  earliest  moment  practicable, 
such  changes  in  their  charters,  or  amendments  thereto,  as 
will  provide — 

(a)  That  all  of  their  funds  and  property,  subject  to  the 
terms  and  conditions  of  existing  or  specific  trusts,  shall  be 
declared  to  be  held  by  them  in  trust  for  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  for  the  purposes 
of  theological  education  according  to  the  Standards  of 
said  Church,  and  that  no  part  of  the  funds  and  property 
so  held  in  trust  shall  be  used  for  any  other  purpose  than 
for  theological  education  in  the  doctrines  set  forth  in  the 
Standards  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America. 

(b)  That  the  election  of  the  Trustees,  Directors  or  Com¬ 
missioners,  or  whatever  the  bodies  governing  the  teaching 
or  property  shall  be  named,  shall  be  subject  to  the  ap¬ 
proval  of  the  next  succeeding  General  Assembly,  and  that 
no  election  shall  take  effect  until  approved  by  the  General 
Assembly  ;  failure  of  the  General  Assembly  to  which  said 
elections  are  reported  for  approval  to  act  thereon  shall  be 
regarded  as  approval  of  said  elections. 

(c)  That  the  election,  appointment,  or  transfer  of  all 
professors  and  teachers  in  all  Seminaries  shall  be  sub¬ 
mitted  to  the  next  succeeding  General  Assembly  for  its 
approval,  and  that  no  such  election,  appointment  or 
transfer  shall  take  effect,  nor  shall  any  professor  or  teacher 
be  inducted  into  office  until  his  election,  appointment  or 
transfer  shall  have  been  approved  by  the  said  General 
Assembly ;  failure  of  the  General  Assembly  to  which  the 
said  elections,  appointments  or  transfers  are  reported  for 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  465 


approval  to  act  thereon  shall  be  regarded  as  approval 
thereof,  and  that  all  of  said  professors  and  teachers  shall 
be  either  ministers  or  members  in  good  standing  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

(d)  That  in  the  event  of  the  violation  of  any  of  the 
terms  of  said  amendments,  or  the  misuse  or  the  diversion 
of  the  funds  or  property  held  by  them,  then  the  General 
Assembly  shall  be  empowered  to  provide  against  such 
violation  of  the  provisions  of  said  charters,  and  for  the 
enforcement  of  the  same,  and  for  the  protection  of  the 
trusts  on  which  said  property  and  funds  are  held,  in  such 
manner,  and  in  the  name  of  such  person  or  corporation, 
as  it  may  direct  by  resolution  certified  by  its  Clerk,  in  any 
civil  court  having  jurisdiction  over  the  corporations  whose 
charters  are  so  amended. 

(2)  That  all  Seminaries  hereafter  established  or  organ¬ 
ized  shall  contain  in  their  charters  the  foregoing  provi¬ 
sions  as  an  essential  part  thereof,  before  they  shall  be  re¬ 
cognized  as  in  connection  with  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America.  [1894,  p.  65.] 

V. 

FOREIGN  MINISTERS. 

1.  Act  regulating  the  Reception  of  Ministers 

from  Foreign  Countries. 

(1)  When  any  minister  or  licentiate  from  Europe  shall 
come  into  this  country,  and  desire  to  become  connected 
with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  he  may 
apply  to  any  committee  appointed  to  direct  the  services 
of  traveling  ministers  and  candidates,  which  committee 
shall  inspect  his  credentials,  and,  by  examination  or 
otherwise,  endeavor  to  ascertain  his  soundness  in  the 
faith  and  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion,  his 
attainments  in  divinity  and  literature,  his  moral  and  re¬ 
ligious  character,  and  approbation  of  our  public  standards 
of  doctrine  and  discipline.  If  the  result  be  such  as  to 
encourage  further  trial,  said  committee  may  give  him  ap- 
30 


466  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


pointments  to  supply  and  recommend  him  to  the  churches 
till  the  next  meeting  of‘  the  Presbytery  to  which  such 
committee  belongs.  It  shall  then  become  the  duty  of 
such  minister  or  licentiate  to  apply  to  that  Presbytery, 
or  to  any  other  in  whose  bounds  he  may  incline  to  labor, 
provided  that  he  always  make  his  application  to  the 
Presbytery  at  their  first  meeting  after  his  coming  within 
their  bounds ;  and  also,  that  immediately  on  coming 
within  the  bounds  of  any  Presbytery,  he  apply  to  their 
committee  to  judge  of  his  certificate  of  approbation,  and, 
if  they  think  it  expedient,  to  make  him  appointments;  or, 
if  it  shall  be  more  convenient,  application  may  be  made 
to  the  Presbvterv  in  the  first  instance  ;  but  it  shall  be 
deemed  irregular  for  any  foreign  minister  or  licentiate  to 
preach  in  any  vacant  church  till  he  have  obtained  the 
approbation  of  some  Presbytery  or  committee  of  Pres¬ 
bytery,  in  manner  aforesaid. 

(2)  The  Presbytery  to  which  such  minister  or  licentiate 
may  apply,  shall  carefully  examine  his  credentials,  and 
not  sustain  a  mere  certificate  of  good  standing,  unless  cor¬ 
roborated  by  such  private  letters  or  other  collateral  testi¬ 
mony,  as  shall  fully  satisfy  them  as  to  the  authenticity 
and  sufficiency  of  his  testimonials.  After  inspecting  any 
references  of  his  literary  acquirements  which  may  be  laid 
before  them,  the  Presbytery  shall  enter  into  a  free  conver¬ 
sation  with  him,  in  order  to  discover  bis  soundness  in  the 
faith  and  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion.  If 
they  shall  obtain  satisfaction  on  these  several  articles, 
they  shall  proceed  to  examine  him  on  the  learned  lan¬ 
guages,  the  arts,  sciences,  theology,  church  history  and 
government,  nor  shall  they  receive  him  unless  he  shall 
appear  to  have  made  such  attainments  in  these  several 
branches  as  are  required  of  those  who  receive  their  edu¬ 
cation  or  pass  their  trials  among  ourselves.  But  if,  upon 
the  whole,  he  appears  to  be  a  person  worthy  of  encourage¬ 
ment,  and  who  promises  usefulness  in  the  Church,  they 
shall  receive  him  as  a  minister  or  candidate  on  approba¬ 
tion,  he  first  adopting  our  standards  of  doctrine  and  dis- 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  4G7 


cipline,  and  promising  subjection  to  the  Presbytery  in  the 
Lord.  During  this  state  of  probation  he  may  preach  the 
gospel  where  regularly  called,  either  as  a  stated  or  occa¬ 
sional  supply;  and,  if  an  ordained  minister,  perform  every 
part  of  the  ministerial  functions,  except  that  he  may  not 
vote  in  any  judicatory,  or  accept  a  call  for  settlement. 

(3)  If  the  foreigner  who  shall  apply  to  any  Presbytery 
or  committee,  as  aforesaid,  be  an  ordained  minister,  such 
committee  and  Presbytery  may,  at  their  discretion,  dis¬ 
pense  with  the  special  examination  on  literature  in  this 
case  prescribed,  provided  he  shall  exhibit  satisfactory  evi¬ 
dence  that  he  has  received  such  education,  and  made  such 
progress  in  languages,  arts,  and  sciences  as  are  required  by 
the  constitution  of  our  Church  as  qualifications  for  the 
gospel  ministry.  But  in  all  other  respects,  the  examina¬ 
tion  shall  be  the  same  as  in  the  case  of  a  licentiate. 

(4)  If  from  the  prospects  of  settlement,  or  greater  use¬ 
fulness,  a  minister  or  licentiate  under  probation  in  any 
Presbytery  shall  wish  to  move  into  the  bounds  of  another, 
he  shall  receive  a  dismission,  containing  a  certificate  of 
his  standing  and  character,  from  the  Presbytery  under 
whose  care  he  shall  have  been,  which  certificate  shall  en¬ 
title  him  to  the  same  standing  in  the  Presbytery  into 
whose  bounds  he  shall  come,  except  that  from  the  time 
of  his  coming  under  the  care  of  this  latter  Presbytery,  a 
whole  year  shall  elapse  before  they  come  to  a  final  judg¬ 
ment  respecting  his  reception. 

(5)  When  any  foreign  minister  or  licentiate,  received  on 
certificate,  or  pursuant  to  trials  in  any  Presbytery,  shall 
have  resided  generally  and  preached  within  their  bounds 
and  under  their  direction  for  at  least  one  year,  they  shall 
cause  him  to  preach  before  them  (if  they  judge  it  expe¬ 
dient),  and,  taking  into  consideration  as  well  the  evidence 
derived  from  their  former  trials  as  that  which  may  arise 
from  his  acceptance  in  the  churches,  his  prudence,  grav¬ 
ity,  and  godly  conversation,  and  from  the  combined  evi¬ 
dence  of  the  whole,  determine  either  to  receive  him,  to 
reject  him,  or  to  hold  him  under  further  probation.  In 


468  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


case  of  receiving  him  at  that,  or  any  subsequent  period, 
the  Presbytery  shali  report  the  same  to  their  Synod  at  its 
next  meeting,  together  with  all  the  certificates  and  other 
testimony  on  which  they  received  them  ;  or  if  it  shall  be 
more  convenient,  this  report  may  be  made  to  the  General 
Assembly.  The  said  Assembly  or  Synod,  as  the  case  may 
be,  shall  then  inquire  into  the  proceedings  of  the  Presby¬ 
tery  in  the  affair,  and  if  they  find  them  to  have  been 
irregular  or  deficient,  they  shall  recommit  them  to  the 
Presbytery,  in  order  to  a  more  regular  and  perfect  pro¬ 
cess.  But  if  the  proceedings  had  in  the  Presbytery  ap¬ 
pear  to  have  been  conformable  to  this  regulation,  they 
shall  carefully  examine  all  the  papers  laid  before  them 
by  the  Presbytery,  or  which  shall  be  exhibited  by  the 
party  concerned,  and  considering  their  credibility  and 
sufficiency  come  to  a  final  judgment,  either  to  receive  him 
into  the  Presbyterian  body,  agreeably  to  his  standing,  or 
to  reject  him. 

(6)  In  order,  however,  to  facilitate  the  settlement  of 
foreign  ministers  as  soon  as  may  consist  with  the  purity 
and  order  of  the  Church,  it  is  further  ordained,  that  if 
the  proper  Synod  or  General  Assembly  are  not  to  meet 
within  three  months  after  that  meeting  of  a  Presbytery  at 
which  a  foreign  minister  on  probation  is  expected  to  be 
received,  the  Presbytery  may,  if  they  see  cause,  lay  his 
testimonials  before  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly  or  Synod 
which  shall  be  held  next  before  said  meeting  of  the 
Presbytery.  If  this  Assembly  or  Synod  shall  approve 
the  testimonials,  thev  shall  give  the  Presbvterv  such  in- 
formation  and  direction  as  the  case  may  reauire,  and  re- 
mit  the  same  to  them  for  final  issue.  In  all  other  cases, 
it  shall  be  deemed  irregular  for  any  Synod  or  General 
Assembly  to  receive  a  foreign  minister  or  licentiate,  until 
he  shall  have  passed  his  period  of  probation,  and  been 
received  and  reported  by  some  Presbytery,  in  manner 
aforesaid. 

(7)  No  minister  or  licentiate,  after  being  rejected  by 
one  Presbytery,  shall  be  received  by  another,  or,  if  re- 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  469 


ceived  through  mistake  or  otherwise,  he  shall  be  no 
longer  countenanced  or  employed,  after  the  imposition 
is  discovered.  If,  however,  any  minister  or  licentiate 
shall  think  himself  aggrieved  by  the  sentence  of  any 
Presbytery,  he  shall  have  a  right  to  carry  the  matter 
by  complaint  to  the  proper  Synod  or  to  the  next  General 
Assembly,  giving  notice  thereof  to  the  Presbytery,  during 
the  meeting  at  which  the  sentence  was  pronounced,  or  at 
the  meeting  next  following. 

(8)  These  regulations  and  provisions  relative  to  the  re¬ 
ception  of  foreign  ministers  and  licentiates,  are  to  be  con¬ 
sidered  as  coming  in  place  of  all  that  have  heretofore  been 
established  on  this  subject,  and  all  judicatories  and  indi¬ 
viduals  under  the  care  of  the  Assembly  are  to  regard  them 
accordingly.  [1800,  reprint,  p.  200.] 

2.  Repeal  as  to  Ministers  from  Great  Britain. 

Inasmuch  as  intercourse  between  the  Presbyterian 
churches  of  Great  Britain  and  our  General  Assembly  is 
now  much  more  frequent  and  intimate  than  in  former 
years,  affording  the  opportunity  for  mutual  acquaintance 
and  knowledge  of  the  character  and  standing  of  the 
ministers  in  the  different  churches  of  both  countries  ; 
therefore, 

Resolved ,  That  the  regulation  requiring  the  ministers 
coming  among  us  from  the  Presbyterian  churches  of  Great 
Britain,  to  submit  to  a  year’s  probation  before  maintain¬ 
ing  ministerial  standing,  is  no  longer  necessary,  and  is 
hereby  repealed.  [1872,  p.  70.] 

3.  Repeal  as  to  Ministers  from  Canada. 

Inasmuch  as  the  rule  requiring  such  probation  has  been 
repealed  as  to  ministers  from  the  Presbyterian  Churches 
of  Great  Britain,  that  said  rule  be  repealed  so  far  as  it 
relates  to  ministers  coming  from  the  Presbyterian  Churches 
of  Canada.  [1883,  p.  625.] 


470  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


VI. 

MINISTERS  OF  OTHER  DENOMINATIONS  IN  THE 

U.  S.  A. 

1.  Act  Recognizing  the  Ordination  of  Ministers 
of  Other  Churches  and  Regulating  their 
Admission  by  the  Presbyteries. 

It  is  not  among  the  principles  or  usages  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  to  consider  the  ordination  of  ministers  by 
other  Protestant  Churches  as  invalid ;  on  the  contrary, 
the  Presbyterian  Church  has  always  considered  the  ordi¬ 
nations  of  most  other  Protestant  Churches  as  valid  in 
themselves,  and  not  to  be  repeated  when  those  who  have 
received  them  become  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 
Nor  is  it  perceived  that  there  is  any  sufficient  reason  why 
the  ordinations  in  the  Baptist  Church  should  not  be  con¬ 
sidered  as  valid,  and  be  sustained  as  such. 

But  while  the  Presbyterian  Church  can  act  as  has  now 
been  stated  in  regard  to  ordinations,  it  is  among  those 
principles  and  usages  which  she  regards  as  most  sacred 
and  important,  to  secure  for  her  Churches  both  a  pious 
and  a  learned  ministry,  and  she  cannot  admit  of  any  usage 
or  exercise  any  apparent  liberality  inconsistent  with  secur¬ 
ity  in  this  essential  particular.  Therefore, 

Resolved ,  That  when  applications  are  made  by  ministers 
of  the  Baptist  or  any  other  Protestant  denomination  to  be 
connected  with  the  Presbyterian  Church,  the  Presbytery 
to  which  the  applications  are  made  shall  require  all  the 
qualifications  both  in  regard  to  piety  and  learning  which 
are  required  of  candidates  for  licensure  or  ordination,  of 
those  who  have  originally  belonged  to  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  shall  require  the  applicants  from  other  de¬ 
nominations  to  continue  their  study  and  preparation  until 
they  are  found  on  trial  and  examination  to  be  qualified  in 
learning  and  ability  to  teach  in  the  manner  required  by 
our  standards :  but  that  when  found  to  be  thus  qualified, 
it  shall  not  be  necessary  to  re-ordain  the  said  applicants, 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  471 


but  only  to  install  them  when  they  are  called  to  settle  in 
Presbyterian  congregations.  [1821,  p.  23.] 

2.  Act  relating  to  the  Reception  of  Licentiates 

and  Ministers  from  Other  Denominations. 

That  in  their  judgment  every  licentiate  coming  by  cer¬ 
tificate  to  any  Presbytery  in  connection  with  the  General 
Assembly  from  any  portion  of  a  corresponding  ecclesias¬ 
tical  body,  should  be  required  to  answer  in  the  affirmative 
the  constitutional  questions  directed  by  chap.  xiv.  of  our 
Form  of  Government  to  be  put  to  our  own  candidates 
before  they  are  licensed ;  and  that  in  like  manner  every 
ordained  minister  of  the  gospel,  coming  from  any  Church 
in  correspondence  with  the  General  Assembly  by  certifi¬ 
cate  of  dismission  and  recommendation,  should  be  required 
to  answer  affirmatively  the  first  seven  questions  directed 
by  chap.  xv.  of  our  Form  of  Government  to  be  put  to  one 
of  our  own  licentiates  when  about  to  be  ordained  to  the 
sacred  office.  [1886,  p.  152.] 

3.  Act  relating  to  the  Reception  and  Probation 

of  Ministers  from  Other  Churches. 

When  application  is  made  by  a  minister  of  another 
Church  for  admission  to  Presbytery,  Presbytery  shall  in¬ 
quire  concerning  his  character,  his  educational  and  pro¬ 
fessional  training,  the  fact  of  his  ordination,  his  minis¬ 
terial  standing  in  the  body  to  which  he  belongs,  and  the 
motives  which  lead  him  to  apply  for  admission  to  Presby¬ 
tery.  If  this  inquiry  shall  prove  satisfactory,  Presbytery 
may  place  his  name  on  its  roll.  All  applicants  from  other 
bodies  shall  be  required,  previous  to  their  enrollment,  to  give 
their  assent,  in  a  public  session  of  Presbytery,  to  the  first 
seven  questions  prescribed  in  the  Form  of  Government  for 
ordination  ;  but  should  the  applicant  not  possess  the  same 
educational  qualifications  for  ordination  as  those  prescribed 
in  our  Standards,  he  shall  not  be  enrolled  as  a  member  of 
Presbytery  until  at  least  six  months  after  his  application 


472  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


shall  have  been  presented  to  Presbytery.  He  may  be  per¬ 
mitted  to  labor,  in  the  interval,  within  the  bounds  of  Pres- 
bvtery.  [1891,  p.  177.] 

VII. 

PRESBYTERIES  AND  SYNODS. 

1.  Act  Authorizing  Minutes  of  Synods  in  Printed 

Form. 

Any  Synod,  which  shall  so  elect,  is  authorized  to  keep 
its  minutes  in  printed  form,  and  to  dispense  with  written 
records,  provided — 

(1)  That  such  printed  minutes  be  complete  and  accurate 
in  all  details. 

(2)  That  they  be  uniform  as  to  size  of  page  with  the 
Minutes  of  the  Assembly. 

(3)  That  the  copy  submitted  by  each  Synod  to  the 
Assembly  for  review,  be  attested  by  the  certificate  of  the 
Stated  Clerk  of  the  Synod  in  writing ;  and  that  blank 
pages  be  left  at  the  end  for  recording  any  exceptions  that 
may  be  taken. 

(4)  That  at  least  two  additional  copies  of  each  and 
everv  issue  be  transmitted  to  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the 
Assembly,  and  two  deposited  in  the  Library  of  the  Pres¬ 
byterian  Historical  Society.  [1884,  p.  75.] 

2.  Act  Authorizing  Printed  Minutes  for  all 

Church  Courts. 

Any  church  court  is  hereby  authorized  to  keep  its 
minutes  in  printed  form,  provided — 

(1)  That  the  minutes  be  fully  and  accurately  kept  and 
recorded. 

(2)  That  they  be  preserved  in  volumes,  and  not  left  to 
separate  pamplets,  and  be  carefully  paged. 

(3)  That  they  have  blanks  left  for  corrections  and 
approval. 

(4)  That  the  minutes  of  every  meeting  be  duly  authenti¬ 
cated  by  the  written  name  of  the  Stated  Clerk,  or  some 
officer  appointed  to  authenticate  them.  [  1889,  p.  101.] 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  473  • 


3.  Act  providing  fop  Method  of  Change  of  Place 

of  Meeting  of  Presbytery.  • 

Whenever  from  any  cause  it  shall  be  necessary  to 
change  the  place  of  the  regularly  appointed  meeting  of 
a  Presbytery,  its  Stated  Clerk  shall,  at  the  request  of  at 
least  three-fourths  of  the  Clerks  of  its  Church  Sessions,  be 
authorized  to  secure  another  place  of  meeting,  and  to  issue 
his  official  call  for  the  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  accord¬ 
ingly.  [1890,  p.  45.] 

4.  Act  providing  for  Method  of  Change  of  Place 

of  Meeting  of  Synod. 

Whenever  from  any  cause  it  shall  be  necessary  to 
change  the  place  of  the  regularly  appointed  meeting  of 
a  Synod,  its  Stated  Clerk  shall,  at  the  request  of  the  stated 
Clerks  of  at  least  three-fourths  of  its  Presbyteries,  be  au¬ 
thorized  to  secure  another  place  of  meeting,  and  to  issue 
his  official  call  for  the  meeting  of  the  Synod  accordingly. 
[1884,  p.  15.] 

5.  Act  relating  to  the  Pastorate  of  Churches 

Located  in  Two  Different  Presbyteries. 

(1)  When  two  churches  in  different  Presbyteries,  or 
Synods,  are  so  situated  as  to  make  it  apparent  to  the 
Presbyteries  to  which  they  belong  that  they  should  be 
united  in  one  pastoral  charge,  the  pastoral  relation  may 
be  constituted;  and  both  churches  shall  for  the  time  being 
be  under  the  care  of  that  Presbytery  of  which  the  pastor 
is  a  member,  and  this  Presbvterial  relation  shall  continue 
only  so  long  as  they  retain  the  same  pastor.  [1874,  p.  82.] 

(2)  The  Presbytery  of  which  the  minister  is  a  member, 
and  to  the  care  of  which,  for  the  time  being,  one  of  the 
churches  is  to  be  transferred,  shall  constitute,  with  the 
consent  and  concurrence  of  the  other  Presbytery,  the  pas¬ 
toral  relation  over  both  churches.  But  the  Presbytery 
from  which  the  church  is  temporarily  to  be  removed, 
should  first  authorize  the  transfer  of  said  church,  and 


.474  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


direct  its  Stated  Clerk  to  give  notice  of  the  same  both  to 
the  church  and  to  the  other  Presbytery.  [1890,  p.  47.] 

6.  Act  regulating  the  Time-limit  of  Licenses. 

(1)  Every  license  to  preach  the  gospel  shall  expire  at  the 
end  of  the  period  of  four  years,  unless  the  candidate  hold¬ 
ing  the  same  shall,  before  the  expiration  of  that  time,  be 
called  to  permanent  labor  in  the  work  of  the  Church.  But 
the  Presbytery  under  whose  care  such  licentiate  may  be, 
may,  in  its  discretion,  extend  his  license  for  the  period  of 
one  year. 

(2)  The  Presbyteries  are  enjoined  to  take  the  oversight 
of  their  licentiates  and  their  vacant  churches,  bringing  in 
the  one  for  the  supply  of  the  other,  and,  through  the 
Home  Missionary  Committees  of  the  Synods  to  which  the 
Presbyteries  belong,  to  seek  to  introduce  their  candidates 
to  the  widest  fields  of  labor,  and  to  furnish  them  full 
opportunity  of  practically  showing  their  fitness  for  the 
Christian  ministry.  [1872,  p.  87.] 

VIII. 

SESSIONS  AND  CHURCHES. 

1.  Act  relating  to  the  Power  of  Session  over 

Worship. 

The  General  Assembly  takes  notice  that  the  exclusive 
authority  of  the  Session  over  the  worship  of  the  Church, 
including  not  only  the  times  and  places  of  preaching  the 
Word,  but  also  the  music  and  the  use  of  the  church  build¬ 
ings,  is  not  sufficiently  appreciated  by  the  Church  at  large, 
and  that  there  are  frequent  complaints  that  Trustees  of 
congregations  assume  powers  and  authority,  especially 
over  music  and  the  use  of  church  buildings,  which  are 
not  warranted  by,  but  in  conflict  with,  the  Constitution 
of  the  Church. 

The  Assembly  enjoins  upon  the  churches  loyal  adhe¬ 
rence  to  our  Form  of  Government,  providing  that  the 
authority  of  the  Session  over  all  matters  of  worship  is 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  475 


paramount,  and  at  the  same  time  recommends  that  all 
such  questions  be  treated  by  the  Session  with  Christian 
tact  and  courtesy,  in  the  spirit  of  love  and  forbearance. 
[1893,  p.  90.] 

2.  Act  relating  to  the  Records  of  Congregational 

Meetings  and  Boards  of  Trustees. 

(1)  That  the  rule  is  not  discretionary,  but  mandatory, 
that  Church  Sessions  shall  order  the  incorporation  of 
proceedings  of  congregational  meetings  with  their  own 
records. 

(2)  That  it  is  in  the  power  of  Church  Sessions  to  direct 
that  the  proceedings  of  such  meetings,  or  of  the  church 
(whether  said  proceedings  are  reported  to  the  Session  in 
the  form  of  minutes  of  meetings,  or  as  Reports  of  Boards 
or  Committees)  shall  be  incorporated  in  the  Sessional 
records  in  such  a  manner,  and  to  such  an  extent  only, 
as  will  faithfully  exhibit  the  action  taken. 

This  construction  of  the  rule  in  question  is  to  be  under¬ 
stood  to  apply  to  the  proceedings  of  Trustees  in  all  cases 
in  which,  under  the  laws  of  the  places  where  they  exercise 
their  functions,  their  action  is  subject  to  review  by  the 
Session.  [1887,  pp.  117,  118.] 

3.  Act  relating  to  the  Organization  of  a  Par¬ 

ticular  Church. 

That  a  particular  Presbyterian  church,  so  far  as  adults 
are  concerned,  is  constituted  and  organized  as  such,  by  a 
number  of  individuals,  professing  to  walk  together  as  the 
disciples  of  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  principles  of  the  Confes¬ 
sion  of  Faith  and  Form  of  Government  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  and  the  election  and  ordination  of  one  or 
more  ruling  elders,  who,  by  the  ordination  service,  become 
the  spiritual  rulers  of  the  persons  voluntarily  submitting 
themselves  to  their  authority  in  the  Lord. 

(1)  This  organization  ought  always  to  be  made  by  appli¬ 
cation  to  the  Presbytery,  within  the  bounds  of  which  the 


476  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


church  to  be  organized  is  found,  unless  this  be  exceed¬ 
ingly  inconvenient,  in  which  case  it  may  be  done  by  a 
duly  authorized  missionary  or  a  neighboring  minister  of 
the  gospel. 

(2)  At  the  time  appointed  for  the  purpose,  after  prayer 
for  divine  direction  and  blessing,  the  presiding  minister, 
or  committee  appointed  by  the  Presbytery,  should  first  re¬ 
ceive  from  those  persons  to  be  organized  into  the  new 
church,  if  they  have  been  communicants  in  other  churches, 
letters  of  dismission  and  recommendation  ;  and  in  the 
next  place,  examine  and  admit  to  a  profession  of  faith, 
such  persons  as  may  offer  themselves,  and  may  be  judged 
suitable  to  be  received  on  examination.  If  any  of  these 
persons  admitted  to  a  profession  on  examination,  have 
not  been  baptized,  they  should  in  this  stage  of  the 
business  be  made  the  subjects  of  Christian  baptism. 

(3)  The  individuals  ascertained  in  the  foregoing  manner 
to  be  desirous  and  prepared  to  associate  as  a  church  of 
Christ,  should  now,  by  some  public  formal  act,  such  as 
rising,  joining  hands,  or  subscribing  a  written  statement, 
agree  and  covenant  to  walk  together  in  a  church  relation, 
according  to  the  acknowledged  doctrines  and  order  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church. 

(4)  The  next  step  is  to  proceed  to  the  election  and  ordi¬ 
nation  of  ruling  elders,  in  conformity  with  the  directions 
given  on  this  subject  in  the  Form  of  Government  of  the 

Presbvterian  Church. 

%/ 

Deacons  are  to  be  elected  and  ordained  in  like  manner 
as  in  the  case  of  ruling  elders. 

(5)  When  a  church  has  been  organized  in  the  manner 
already  described,  report  of  the  same  should  be  made,  as 
soon  as  practicable,  to  the  Presbytery  within  whose  bounds 
it  is  located.  And  when  a  missionary,  or  other  minister 
of  the  gospel,  not  especially  appointed  to  the  work  bv  a 
Presbytery,  has,  in  the  manner  above  specified,  organized 
a  church,  not  within  the  known  bounds  of  any  Presbvterv, 
the  church  thus  organized  should  as  soon  as  practicable 
make  known  to  some  Presbytery,  with  which  it  may  be 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  477 


most  naturally  and  conveniently  connected,  the  time  and 
manner  of  its  organization,  and  desire  to  be  received 
under  the  care  of  said  Presbytery. 

(6)  In  cases  in  which  churches  are  to  be  formed  within 
the  known  boundaries  of  any  Presbytery,  it  is  most  de¬ 
sirable  that  persons  wishing  to  be  organized  as  a  Presby¬ 
terian  Church,  should  petition  that  Presbytery  to  receive 
them  under  its  care  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  them 
in  due  form. 

(7)  There  may  be  people  in  destitute  portions  of  our  land, 
who  may  be  disposed  to  associate  for  the  purpose  of 
forming  a  Presbyterian  congregation,  when  no  minister  of 
the  gospel  can  be  obtained  to  aid  them.  The  forming  of 
associations  for  such  a  purpose,  in  the  circumstances  con¬ 
templated,  should  be  considered  not  only  as  lawful,  but 
highly  commendable.  And  such  associations,  when 
formed,  should,  as  speedily  as  possible,  take  measures  for 
obtaining  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  and  for  becoming 
organized  as  regular  churches. 

(8)  Cases  may  also  occur,  in  various  places,  in  which  a 
collection  or  association  of  people  may  desire  the  preach¬ 
ing  of  the  gospel,  and  be  willing,  in  whole  or  in  part,  to 
support  it,  and  yet  may  not  have  suitable  men  among 
them  to  sustain  the  office  of  ruling  elders.* 

Such  people  may  and  ought  to  obtain  a  preacher  of  the 
gospel  to  labor  among  them,  and  occasionally  to  adminis¬ 
ter  ordinances,  under  the  direction  of  some  Presbytery, 
till  they  shall  find  themselves  in  circumstances  to  make  a 
proper  choice  of  ruling  elders,  and  to  have  them  regularly 
set  apart  to  their  office.  [1881,  pp.  326,  327.] 

4.  Act  relating  to  the  Organization  and  Enroll¬ 
ment  of  a  Particular  Church. 

(1)  A  particular  Presbyterian  church  consists  of  a 
number  of  communicants  together  with  their  offspring, 
associated  by  the  direction  of  Presbytery,  professing  to 


*See  Act  of  I860,  Sect.  (4),  p.  468. 


478  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


walk  together  as  the  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ,  on  the 
principles  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  the  Form  of 
Government  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  should  be 
recognized  and  enrolled  as  such. 

(2)  The  first  act  of  the  newly  organized  church  should 
be  the  election,  under  the  supervision  of  the  Committee 
of  Presbytery,  of  ruling  elders  and  deacons.  The  commit¬ 
tee  should  at  once  appoint  a  minister  of  the  Presbytery  as 
Moderator  of  Session,  until  the  church  shall  elect  a 
pastor,  and  the  Presbytery  takes  further  action. 

(3)  The  Committee  of  Presbytery  should  carefully 
consider  the  character  and  other  qualifications  of  every 
candidate  for  ruling  elder  or  deacon,  and  should  discoun¬ 
tenance  the  election  or  ordination  of  those  who  appear 
unsuitable. 

(4)  When,  however,  proper  persons  cannot  be  found 
among  the  communicants  for  church  officers,  all  the  facts 
should  be  reported  to  Presbytery,  which  should  regard  the 
organization  as  potentially  a  church,  and  therefore  en¬ 
titled  to  enrollment  and  supervision ;  but  as  imperfect  in 
its  condition,  being  disqualified,  lacking  the  proper 
officers,  from  exercising  government  and  discipline,  and 
from  representation  in  the  judicatories  of  the  Church. 
The  Presbytery  should  therefore  appoint  a  Special  Com¬ 
mittee  to  take  the  oversight  of  the  church,  and  to  secure, 
as  soon  as  possible,  the  election  of  proper  officers — ruling 
elders  and  deacons — that  it  may  perform  all  the  functions 
of  a  Presbyterian  church.  [1890,  p.  116.] 


IX. 

BOARDS  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

1.  Rule  for  the  Use  of  Legacies. 

While  the  Boards  of  our  Church  are  civil  corporations 
under  the  laws  of  the  States  in  which  they  are  located, 
they  are  also  creatures  of  the  Church,  organized  and 
operated  for  missionary  purposes,  and  subject  to  control 


ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  479 


by  the  Church.  This  being  so,  the  General  Assembly 
adopts  the  following  rule  : 

Resolved ,  That  when  any  Board  receives  a  legacy  the 
use  of  which  is  not  indicated  in  the  will  of  the  testator,  the 
funds  shall  either  be  used  for  current  work,  or  shall  be  in¬ 
vested  in  accordance  with  the  laws  provided  for  the  care 
of  trust  funds  in  the  State  where  the  Board  is  located. 
But  if  not  so  used  the  funds  shall  be  held  until  the  General 
Assembly  approves  of  some  different  use  of  them  which 
the  Board  may  propose  to  make.  [1897,  p.  50.] 

2.  Eule  as  to  Members  of  the  Boards. 

No  person  shall  serve  as  a  member  of  a  Board  who  is  a 
salaried  executive  officer  or  employe  of  said  Board,  or  a 
member  of  any  other  benevolent  Board  of  the  Church ; 
and  no  more  than  one  ruling  elder  from  the  same  con¬ 
gregation  shall  serve  on  a  Board  at  the  same  time.  [1887, 
pp.  51,  108;  1898,  p.  132.] 

3.  Eule  as  to  Salaried  Executive  Officers. 

Hereafter  upon  the  original  appointment  of  any  salaried 
executive  officer  of  any  of  the  benevolent  and  missionary 
Boards  of  the  Church,  such  appointment  shall  be  subject 
to  the  approval  of  the  General  Assembly.  [1898,  p.  132.] 

X. 

THE  REUNION  OF  1906. 

Concurrent  Declarations  of  the  General  Assemblies 

of  1904. 

As  there  are  matters  pertaining  to  the  interests  of  the 
Church  which  will  manifestly  require  adjustment  when  the 
reunion  shall  have  been  accomplished,  and  concerning 
which  it  is  highly  desirable  that  there  shall  be  a  previous 
good  understanding,  the  two  Assemblies  agree  to  adopt 
the  following  Concurrent  Declarations,  as  in  their  judg¬ 
ment  proper  and  equitable  arrangements  and  agreements : 


480  ACTS  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


(1)  In  adopting  the  Confession  of  Faith  of  the  Presby¬ 
terian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  as  revised 
in  1903,  as  a  Basis  of  Union,  it  is  mutually  recognized 
that  such  agreement  now  exists  between  the  systems  of 
doctrine  contained  in  the  Confessions  of  Faith  of  the  two 
Churches  as  to  warrant  this  union — a  union  honoring  alike 
to  both.  Mutual  acknowledgment  also  is  made  of  the 
teaching  and  defense  of  essential  evangelical  doctrine  held 
in  common  by  these  Churches,  and  of  the  divine  favor  and 
blessing  that  have  made  this  common  faith  and  service 
effectual. 

It  is  also  recognized  that  liberty  of  belief  exists  by  vir¬ 
tue  of  the  provisions  of  the  Declaratory  Statement,  which 
is  part  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  which  states 
that  “  the  ordination  vow  of  ministers,  ruling  elders,  and 
deacons,  as  set  forth  in  the  Form  of  Government,  requires 
the  reception  and  adoption  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  only 
as  containing  the  system  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures.”  This  liberty  is  specifically  secured  by  the 
Declaratory  Statement,  as  to  Chapter  III  and  Chapter  X, 
Section  3  of  the  Confession  of  Faith.  It  is  recognized, 
also,  that  the  doctrinal  deliverance  contained  in  the  Brief 
Statement  of  the  Reformed  Faith,  adopted  in  1902  by  the 
General  Assemblv  of  the  Presbvterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  “  for  a  better  understanding  of 
our  doctrinal  beliefs,”  reveals  a  doctrinal  agreement  favor¬ 
able  to  reunion. 

(2)  All  the  ministers  and  churches  included  in  the  two 
denominations  shall  be  admitted  to  the  same  standing  in 
the  united  Church  which  thev  may  have  held  in  their  re- 
spective  connections  up  to  the  consummation  of  the 
reunion.  [1904,  P.,  p.  137  ;  1904,  C.  P.,  p.  63  a.] 

[Note. — The  other  Concurrent  Declarations  of  1904  are  substantially 
the  same  as  Nos.  3,  4,  5,  7,  and  10,  on  pp.  452  and  453.] 


APPENDIX  B. 


GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES. 

4 DOPf  ED  BY  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  IN  1871  AND  AMENDED 

IN  1885  AND  1887* 

I.  The  Moderator  shall  take  the  chair  precisely  at  the 
Dour  to  which  the  judicatory  stands  adjourned;  and  shall 
immediately  call  the  members  to  order ;  and,  on  the  appear¬ 
ance  of  a  quorum,  shall  open  the  session  with  prayer. 

II.  If  a  quorum  be  assembled  at  the  time  appointed,  and 
the  Moderator  be  absent,  the  last  Moderator  present  being 
a  commissioner ,  or,  if  there  be  none,  the  senior  member 
present,  shall  be  requested  to  take  his  place  without  de¬ 
lay,  until  a  new  election. 

III.  If  a  quorum  be  not  assembled  at  the  hour  appoint¬ 
ed,  any  two  members  shall  be  competent  to  adjourn  from 
time  to  time,  that  an  opportunity  may  be  given  for  a  quo¬ 
rum  to  assemble. 

IV.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Moderator,  at  all  times 
to  preserve  order,  and  to  endeavor  to  conduct  all  business 
before  the  judicatory  to  a  speedy  and  proper  result. 

V.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Moderator,  carefully  to 
keep  notes  of  the  several  articles  of  business  which  may 
be  assigned  for  particular  days,  and  to  call  them  up  at  the 
time  appointed. 

VI.  The  Moderator  may  speak  to  points  of  order,  in 
preference  to  other  members,  rising  from  his  seat  for  that 
purpose;  and  shall  decide  questions  of  order,  subject  to 
an  appeal  to  the  judicatory  by  any  two  members. 

VII.  The  Moderator  shall  appoint  all  committees,  ex¬ 
cept  in  those  cases  in  which  the  judicatory  shall  decide 


31 


*  See  note  on  page  487 


481 


482  GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICA  TL  RIES. 


otherwise.  In  appointing  the  standing  committees,  the 
Moderator  may  appoint  a  Vice-Moderator,  wh/,  may  oc¬ 
cupy  the  chair  at  his  request,  and  otherwise  assist  Via. 
in  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 

VIII.  When  a  vote  is  taken  by  ballot  in  any  judica 
lory,  the  Moderator  shall  vote  with  the  other  members : 
but  he  shall  not  vote  in  any  other  case,  unless  the  judi 
catory  be  equally  divided;  when,  if  he  do  not  choose  tc 
vote,  the  question  shall  be  lost. 

IX.  The  person  first  named  on  any  committee  shall  be 
considered  as  the  chairman  thereof,  whose  duty  it  shall  be 
to  convene  the  committee ;  and,  in  case  of  his  absence  01 
inability  to  act,  the  second  named  member  shall  take  his 
place  and  perform  his  duties. 

X.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Clerk,  as  soon  as  possible 
after  the  commencement  of  the  sessions  of  every  judica¬ 
tory,  to  form  a  complete  roll  of  the  members  present,  and 
put  the  same  into  the  hands  of  the  Moderator.  And  it 
shall  also  be  the  duty  of  the  Clerk,  whenever  any  addi¬ 
tional  members  take  their  seats,  to  add  their  names,  in 
their  proper  places,  to  the  said  roll. 

XI.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Clerk  immediately  to 
file  all  papers,  in  the  order  in  which  they  have  been  read, 
with  proper  indorsements,  and  to  keep  them  in  perfect 
order.  The  Stated  Clerk  shall  receive  all  overtures,  me 
morials,and  miscellaneous  papers  addressed  to  the  judica¬ 
tory;  shall  make  record  of  the  same  and  deliver  them  to 
the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  for  appropriate  dis¬ 
position  or  reference.  This  committee  shall  have  the  fiooi 
on  the  reassembling  of  the  judicatory  after  each  adjourn¬ 
ment  to  report  its  recommendations  as  to  orders  of  business 
or  reference  of  papers,  and  this  right  of  the  committee  shall 
take  precedence  of  the  Orders  of  the  Day. 

XII.  The  minutes  of  the  last  meeting  of  the  judicatory 
shall  be  presented  at  the  commencement  of  its  sessions, 
and,  if  requisite,  read  and  corrected. 

XIII.  Business  left  unfinished  at  the  last  sitting  is  ordi¬ 
narily  to  be  taken  up  first. 


GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES.  483 


XIV.  A  motion  made  must  be  seconded,  and  afterwards 
repeated  by  the  Moderator,  or  read  aloud,  before  it  is  de¬ 
bated  ;  and  every  motion  shall  be  reduced  to  writing,  if 
the  Moderator  or  any  member  require  it. 

XV.  Any  member  who  shall  have  made  a  motion,  shall 
have  liberty  to  withdraw  it,  with  the  consent  of  his  sec¬ 
ond,  before  any  debate  has  taken  place  thereon ;  but  not 
afterwards,  without  the  leave  of  the  judicatory. 

XVI.  If  a  motion  under  debate  contain  several  part«, 
any  two  members  may  have  it  divided,  and  a  question 
taken  on  each  part. 

XVII.  When  various  motions  are  made  with  respect 
to  the  filling  of  blanks,  with  particular  numbers  or  times 
the  question  shall  always  be  first  taken  on  the  highest 
number  and  the  longest  time. 

XVIII.  Motions  to  lay  on  the  table,  to  take  up  busi¬ 
ness,  to  adjourn,  and  the  call  for  the  previous  question, 
shall  be  put  without  debate.  On  questions  of  order,  post¬ 
ponement,  or  commitment,  no  member  shall  speak  more 
than  once.  On  all  other  questions,  each  member  may 
speak  twice,  but  not  oftener,  without  express  leave  of 
the  judicatory. 

XIX.  When  a  question  is  under  debate,  no  motion  shall 
be  received,  unless  to  adjourn,  to  lay  on  the  table,  to  post¬ 
pone  indefinitely,  to  postpone  to  a  day  certain,  to  commit, 
or  to  amend ;  which  several  motions  shall  have  precedence 
in  the  order  in  which  they  are  herein  arranged;  and  the 
motion  for  adjournment  shall  always  be  in  order. 

XX.  An  amendment,  and  also  an  amendment  to  an 
amendment,  may  be  moved  on  any  motion;  but  a  mo¬ 
tion,  to  amend  an  amendment  to  an  amendment,  shall 
not  be  in  order.  Action  on  amendments  shall  precede 
action  on  the  original  motion.  A  substitute  shall  be 
treated  as  an  amendment. 

XXI.  A  distinction  shall  be  observed  between  a  mo¬ 
tion  to  lay  on  the  table  for  the  present,  and  a  motion  to  lay 
on  the  table  unconditionally ,  viz. :  A  motion  to  lay  on  the 
table,  for  the  present ,  shall  be  taken  without  debate;  and 


484  GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICA  TORIES. 


if  carried  in  the  affirmative,  the  effect  shall  be  to  place 
the  subject  ou  the  docket,  and  it  may  be  taken  up  and 
considered  at  any  subsequent  time.  But  a  motion  to  lay 
on  the  table,  unconditionally ,  shall  be  taken  without  de¬ 
bate;  and,  if  carried  in  the  affirmative,  it  shall  not  be  in 
order  to  take  up  the  subject  during  the  same  meeting  of 
the  judicatory,  without  a  vote  of  reconsideration. 

XXII.  The  previous  question  shall  be  put  in  this  form, 
namely,  Shall  the  main  question  be  now  put?  It  shall 
only  be  admitted  when  demanded  by  a  majority  of  the 
members  present;  and  the  effect  shall  be  to  put  an  end 
to  all  debate  and  bring  the  body  to  a  direct  vote :  First, 
on  a  motion  to  commit  the  subject  under  consideration 
(if  such  motion  shall  have  been  made) ;  secondly,  if  the 
motion  for  commitment  does  not  prevail,  on  pending 
amendments ;  and  lastly,  on  the  main  question. 

XXIII.  A  question  shall  not  be  again  called  up  or 
reconsidered  at  the  same  sessions  of  the  judicatory  at 
which  it  has  been  decided,  unless  by  the  consent  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  who  were  present  at  the  decision ; 
and  unless  the  motion  to  reconsider  be  made  and  sec¬ 
onded,  by  persons  who  voted  with  the  majority. 

XXIV.  A  subject  which  has  been  indefinitely  post¬ 
poned,  either  by  the  operation  of  the  previous  question, 
or  by  a  motion  for  indefinite  postponement,  shall  not  be 
again  called  up  during  the  same  sessions  of  the  judicatory, 
unless  by  the  consent  of  three-fourths  of  the  members 
who  were  present  at  the  decision. 

XXV.  Members  ought  not,  without  weighty  reasons, 
to  decline  voting,  as  this  practice  might  leave  the  decis¬ 
ion  of  very  interesting  questions  to  a  small  proportion  of 
the  judicatory.  Silent  members,  unless  excused  from  vot¬ 
ing,  must  be  considered  as  acquiescing  with  the  majority. 

XXVI.  When  the  Moderator  has  commenced  taking 
the  vote,  no  further  debate  or  remark  shall  be  admitted, 
•inless  there  has  evidently  been  a  mistake,  in  which  case 
the  mistake  shall  be  rectified,  and  the  Moderator  shall 
recommence  taking  th«  vote.  If  the  house  shall  pass  the 


GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES .  485 


motion  to  “vote  on  a  given  subject  at  a  time  named/’ 
speeches  shall  thereafter  be  limited  to  ten  minutes.  Should 
the  hour  for  adjournment  or  recess  arrive  during  the  voting, 
it  shall  be  postponed  to  finish  the  vote,  unless  the  majority 
shall  vote  to  adjourn ;  in  which  case  the  voting  shall,  on 
the  reassembling  of  the  house,  take  precedence  of  all  other 
business  till  it  is  finished.  Under  this  rule  “  the  yeas  and 
nays  ”  shall  not  be  called  except  on  the  final  motion  to 
adopt  as  a  whole.  This  motion  to  fix  a  time  for  voting 
shall  be  put  without  debate. 

XX YII.  The  yeas  and  nays  on  any  question  shall  not 
be  recorded,  unless  required  by  one-third  of  the  members 
present.  If  division  is  called  for  on  any  vote,  it  shall  be 
by  a  rising  vote  without  a  count.  If  on  such  a  rising  vote 
the  Moderator  is  unable  to  decide,  or  a  quorum  rise  to 
second  a  call  for  “  tellers,”  then  the  vote  shall  be  taken 
by  rising,  and  the  count  made  by  tellers,  who  shall  pass 
through  the  aisles  and  report  to  the  Moderator  the  num¬ 
ber  voting  on  each  side. 

XXVIII.  No  member,  in  the  course  of  debate,  shall 
be  allowed  to  indulge  in  personal  reflections. 

XXIX.  If  more  than  one  member  rise  to  speak  at  the 
same  time,  the  member  who  is  most  distant  from  the  Mod¬ 
erator’s  chair  shall  speak  first.  In  the  discussion  of  all 
matters  where  the  sentiment  of  the  house  is  divided,  it  is 
proper  that  the  floor  should  be  occupied  alternately  by 
those  representing  the  different  sides  of  the  question. 

XXX.  When  more  than  three  members  of  the  judica- 
toiy  shall  be  standing  at  the  same  time,  the  Moderator 
ghall  require  all  to  take  their  seats,  the  person  only  ex¬ 
cepted  who  may  be  speaking. 

XXXI.  Every  member,  when  speaking,  shall  address 
nimself  to  the  Moderator,  and  shall  treat  his  fellow- 
members,  and  especially  the  Moderator,  with  decorum 
and  respect. 

XXXII.  No  speaker  shall  be  interrupted,  unless  he  be 
out  of  order;  or  for  the  purpose  of  correcting  mistakes, 
or  misreprea rotations. 


486  GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES. 


XXXin.  Without  express  permission,  no  member  ot 
a  judicatory,  while  business  is  going  on,  shall  engage  in 
private  conversation ;  nor  shall  members  address  one  an¬ 
other,  nor  any  person  present,  but  through  the  Moderator 

XXXIV.  It  is  indispensable,  that  members  of  eccle 
siastical  judicatories  maintain  great  gravity  and  dignit) 
while  judicially  convened ;  that  they  attend  closely  in 
their  speeches  to  the  subject  under  consideration,  and 
avoid  prolix  and  desultory  harangues;  and,  when  they 
deviate  from  the  subject,  it  is  the  privilege  of  any  mem¬ 
ber,  and  the  duty  of  the  Moderator,  to  call  them  to  order. 

XXXV.  If  any  member  act,  in  any  respect,  in  a  disor¬ 
derly  manner,  it  shall  be  the  privilege  of  any  member, 
and  the  duty  of  the  Moderator,  to  call  him  to  order. 

XXXVI.  If  any  member  consider  himself  aggrieved 
by  a  decision  of  the  Moderator,  it  shall  be  his  privilege 
to  appeal  to  the  judicatory,  and  the  question  on  the  ap¬ 
peal  shall  be  taken  without  debate. 

XXXVII.  No  member  shall  retire  from  any  judicatory 
without  the  leave  of  the  Moderator,  nor  withdraw  from 
it  to  return  home  without  the  consent  of  the  judicatory. 

XXXVIII.  All  judicatories  have  a  right  to  sit  in  pri¬ 
vate,  on  business,  which  in  their  judgment  ought  not  to 
be  matter  of  public  speculation. 

XXXIX.  Besides  the  right  to  sit  judicially  in  private, 
whenever  they  think  proper  to  do  so,  all  judicatories  have 
a  right  to  hold  what  are  commonly  called  “  interlocutory 
meetings,”  in  which  members  may  freely  converse  to¬ 
gether,  without  the  formalities  which  are  usually  neces¬ 
sary  in  judicial  proceedings. 

XL.  Whenever  a  judicatory  is  about  to  sit  in  a  judicial 
capacity,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Moderator  solemnly 
:o  announce,  from  the  chair,  that  the  body  is  about  to 
pass  to  the  consideration  of  the  business  assigned  for  trial, 
and  to  enjoin  on  the  members  to  recollect  and  regard 
their  high  character  as  judges  of  a  court  of  Jesus  Christ, 
and  the  solemn  duty  in  which  they  are  about  to  act. 

XLI.  It  is  expedient  that  Judicatories  appoint  a  Stand- 


GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES .  487 


ing  Committee,  to  be  known  as  “  the  Judicial  Committee,” 
to  whom  shall  be  referred  all  papers  and  questions  of  a 
judicial  nature,  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  recommend 
to  the  judicatory  answers  to  judicial  questions  and  orders 
of  procedure  in  all  judicial  cases.  In  the  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  the  province  of  the  Judicial  Committee  shall  be  to 
pass  upon  the  question  of  the  regularity  of  the  papers  and 
the  record  in  all  cases  referred  to  it  by  the  Assembly ;  to 
determine,  upon  the  face  of  the  papers,  whether  questions 
of  doctrine  or  Constitution  are  raised,  and  i f ,  prima  facie, 
there  is  a  case,  to  recommend  the  same  to  the  Assembly 
for  reference  to  Judicial  Commissions.  The  members  of 
the  Judicial  Committee  are  not  debarred  by  their  appoint¬ 
ment  from  sitting  and  voting  as  members  of  the  judicatory. 

XLII.  The  permanent  officers  of  a  judicatory  shall  have 
the  rights  of  corresponding  members  in  matters  touching 
their  several  offices. 

XLIII.  The  Moderator  of  every  judicatory  above  the 
Church  Session,  in  finally  closing  its  sessions,  in  addition 
to  prayer,  may  cause  to  be  sung  an  appropriate  psalm  or 
hymn,  and  shall  pronounce  the  apostolical  benediction. 

XLIV.  Whenever  a  case  is  to  be  taken  from  an  inferior 
judicatory  to  the  General  Assembly,  the  Stated  Clerk  of 
such  inferior  judicatory  shall,  at  least  twenty  days  before 
the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly,  send  a  notice  con¬ 
cerning  such  case  to  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Assembly, 
who  shall  forthwith  notify  the  chairman  of  the  Permanent 
Judicial  Commission,  unless  the  General  Assembly  shall 
have  ordered  otherwise,  that  the  services  of  the  Commis¬ 
sion  will  be  needed  at  the  approaching  Assembly;  but  if 
no  such  notice  shall  be  received  by  the  Stated  Clerk  of 

Note. — The  preceding  “General  Rules  few  Judicatories,”  not  having 
been  submitted  to  the  presbyteries,  make  no  part  of  the  Constitution 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Yet  the  General  Assembly  of  1871,  con¬ 
sidering  uniformity  in  proceedings  in  all  the  subordinate  judicatories 
as  greatly  conducive  to  order  and  despatch  in  business,  having  revised 
and  approved  these  rules,  recommended  them  to  all  the  lower  judica¬ 
tories  of  the  Church  for  adoption. 


488  GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES. 


the  General  Assembly,  he  shall  forthwith  notify  the  chair 
man  of  the  Permanent  Judicial  Commission  that  the  ser¬ 
vices  of  the  Commission  will  not  be  needed  at  the  ap¬ 
proaching  Assembly. 

XLV.  These  rules  may  be  suspended  by  a  two-thirds 
vote  of  the  judicatory,  upon  motion  duly  made. 


INDEX. 


The  abbreviations  used  in  this  Index  are  intended  to  facilitate  refer¬ 
ence  to  the  topics  named  therein.  The  Roman  letters  stand  for  the 
several  books  of  the  Constitution,  as  follows  : 

C.  Confession  of  Faith. 

L.  Larger  Catechism. 

S.  Shorter  Catechism. 

D.  S.  Declaratory  Statement. 

G.  Form  of  Government. 

D.  Book  of  Discipline. 

W.  Directory  for  Worship,  and  in  addition, 

R.  for  the  Rules  for  Judicatories. 

C.  R.  for  Constitutional  Rule. 

A.  L.  for  General  Assembly  Laws. 

The  Roman  numerals  refer  to  the  chapters  of  the  Confession,  Form  of 
Government,  and  Directory  for  Worship.  The  Arabic  numerals  refer 
to  the  sections  uf  the  several  Books.  For  instance,  the  reference 
“  Ability,  original,  C.  iv.  2,  p.  27,”  is  to  the  Confession  of  Faith,  chap¬ 
ter  four,  section  two,  page  27  ;  and  the  reference  “  Accusations,  D.  14, 
15,  p.  399,”  is  to  the  Book  of  Discipline,  section  fourteen,  page  399. 


ABILITY,  original,  C.  iv.  2,  p.  27; 
ix.  2,  p.  52;  xix.  1,  p.  87;  L.  17, 
p.  150. 

of  will  to  good  lost,  C.  vi.  4,  p. 

36;  ix.  3,  p.  52. 
how  recovered,  C.  ix.  4,  p.  53. 
of  Christians,  C.  xvi.  3,  p.  75; 
L.  192,  p.  303. 

Absence,  leave  of,  R.  37,  p.  486. 
Absentees,  names  to  be  noted,  D. 
29,  p.  403. 

roll  of,  D.  50,  p.  407. 
certificate  of  dismission  of,  D. 
116,  p.  421. 

Acceptance,  grounds  of,  C.  xi.  1, 
p.  59;  L.  70,  p.  179;  194,  p. 
306;  S.  33,  p.  323;  W.  v.  1, 
p.  430. 

of  good  works  in  Christ,  C.  xvi. 
6,  p.  77. 

in  prayer  through  Christ,  L.  181, 
p.  294. 

Access  to  God,  through  Christ,  C. 
xii.  1,  p.  63;  L.  39,  p.  163;  55, 
p.  172. 

through  Christ  only,  L.  181,  p. 
294. 

greater  boldness  of,  under  the 

N.  T.,  C.  xx.  1,  p.  93. 


Accusations,  caution  against,  D. 
14,  15,  p.  399. 

Accused  person,  private  confer¬ 
ence  with,  D.  10,  p.  399. 
copy  of  charges  for,  D.  20,  p. 
401. 

names  of  witnesses  furnished  to, 
D.  20,  p.  401. 

not  required  to  disclose  wit¬ 
nesses,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
citation  of,  D.  20,  21,  pp.  400, 
401. 

second  citation  of,  D.  22,  p.  401. 
contumacy  of,  D.  22,  p.  401. 
trial  in  absence  of,  D.  22,  p. 
401. 

counsel  for,  D.  22,  23,  p.  401; 
27,  p.  403. 

may  file  objections,  D.  23,  p. 
401. 

shall  plead,  D.  23,  p.  401. 
declining  to  plead,  D.  23,  p. 
401. 

notified  of  meeting  for  trial,  D. 
24,  p.  402. 

may  appeal,  D.  25,  p.  402;  48, 
p.  407. 

may  be  kept  from  communion, 
D.  33,  p.  404. 


489 


490 


INDEX. 


Accused  person  may  be  kept  from 
exercise  of  office,  D.  33,  p. 
404. 

censures  inflicted  upon,  D.  35, 
p.  404;  41,  p.  405. 
a  minister,  D.  37-46,  pp.  405, 
406. 

self-accused,  D.  48,  p.  407. 
new  trial  of,  D.  69,  70,  p.  411. 
See  also  Parties  in  Trial. 
Actions,  governed  by  Providence, 

C.  v.  1,  p.  28;  L.  18,  p.  151; 

5.  11,  p.  315. 

Actual  Sins.  See  Sins. 

Adam,  original  ability  of,  C.  iv.  2, 
p.  27;  xix.  1,  p.  87;  L.  17,  p. 
150. 

temptation  of,  C.  vi.  1,  p.  34;  L. 
21,  p.  153. 

fall  of,  C.  vi.  2,  p.  34;  L.  21,  p. 

153;  S.  13,  p.  316. 
covenant  with,  C.  vii.  2,  p.  38; 

L.  20,  p.  153;  S.  12,  p.  315. 
representative  of  posterity,  C. 
vi.  3,  p.  35;  vii.  2,  p.  38;  xix. 
1,  p.  86;  L.  22,  p.  153,  193,  p. 
304;  S.  16,  p.  316. 

Adam,  second,  L.  31,  p.  157. 
Adjournment,  motion  for,  with¬ 
out  debate,  R.  18,  p.  483. 
always  in  order,  R.  19,  p.  483. 
Administrative  cases,  D.  5,  p.  398; 

D.  135,  136,  p.  425. 
Admission,  power  of  Session  in,  G. 

ix.  6,  p.  362;  W.  x.  2,  p.  440. 
of  children  of  Church,  W.  x.  1, 
p.  440. 

examination  for,  W.  x.  3,  p.  441. 
Admonition  (judicial),  C.  xxx.  4, 
p.  131. 

by  Session,  G.  ix.  6,  p.  362;  D. 

35,  p.  404,  51,  p.  407. 
by  Presbytery,  D.  41,  p.  405. 
of  communicants  neglecting 
ordinances,  D.  51,  p.  407. 
stayed  by  appeal,  D.  101,  p. 
418. 

Admonition  (warning),  by  super¬ 
iors,  L.  129,  p.  236. 
by  General  Assembly,  G.  xii.  5, 
p.  370. 

to  prosecutor,  D.  15,  p.  399. 
Adoption,  nature,  etc.,  C.  xii.,  p. 

63;  L.  74,  p.  182;  S.  34,  p.  323. 
Adoration  of  God,  required,  L. 
104,  p.  207. 

Adultery,  L.  137,  p.  245;  S.  70,  p. 
334. 

ground  for  dissolution  of  mar¬ 
riage  contract,  C.  xxiv.  5,  p. 
112. 

ground  for  divorce,  C.  xxiv.  5, 

6,  p.  112. 


Adults,  baptism  of,  W.  viii.  3,  p. 
436. 

Advice,  of  church  courts  in  civil 
affairs,  C.  xxxi.  4,  p.  133. 
of  General  Assembly,  G.  xii.  4, 
p.  370. 

of  Presbytery  on  retirement  of 
elder  or  deacon,  G.  xiii.  7,  p. 
373. 

reference  for,  D.  80,  p.  413. 
Affirmation,  D.  62,  p.  410. 

Age,  aggravation  of  sin,  L.  151,  p. 
261. 

Aggravations  of  sin,  L.  151,  p.  261. 
Alternates,  G.  xxii.  1,  p.  392. 
Amen,  why  used,  L.  196,  p.  310; 
S.  107,  p.  347. 

Amendments  to  Constitution,  G. 
xxiv.,  p.  394. 

of  Form  of  Government,  G.  xxiv. 

1,  5,  6,  pp.  394,  395. 
of  Book  of  Discipline,  G.  xxiv. 

1,  5,  6,  pp.  394,  395. 
of  Directory  for  Worship,  G. 

xxiv.  1,  5,  6,  pp.  394,  395. 
of  Confession  of  Faith,  G.  xxiv. 

2-5,  7,  pp.  394,  395. 
of  Catechisms,  G.  xxiv.  2-5,  7, 
pp.  394,  395. 

of  Chapter  on  Amendments,  G. 
xxiv.  4,  p.  394. 

Act  regulating  method  of  enact¬ 
ing,  A.  L.,  p.  459. 
Amendments  to  motions,  R.  20,  p. 
483. 

Amusements.  See  Recreation s. 
Angels,  decree  concerning,  C.  iii.  3, 
p.  22;  L.  13,  p.  148. 
elect,  C.  iii.  4,  p.  22;  L.  13,  p. 
148. 

providence  in  relation  to,  C.  v. 
4,  p.  30. 

not  to  be  worshipped,  C.  xxi.  2, 
p.  98;  L.  105,  p.  211. 
creation  of,  L.  16,  p.  149. 
employment  of,  L.  19,  p.  151. 
Anger,  L.  136,  p.  242. 

Antiquity,  gives  no  sanction  to 
evil,  L.  109,  p.  217. 
Apocrypha,  not  a  part  of  Sacred 
Scripture,  C.  i.  3,  p.  11. 
Apostasy,  L.  105,  p.  211. 

Apostles’  Creed,  The,  p.  350. 
Apparel,  modest,  L.  138,  p.  250. 
Appeal  from  decision  of  Moderator, 
D.  28,  p.  403;  R.  6,  p.  481. 
hoard  without  debate,  D.  28,  p. 

403;  R.  36,  p.  486. 
to  be  recorded,  D.  28,  p.  403. 
Appeals,  judicial,  D.  94-102,  p. 
416. 

received  and  issued  by  Presby¬ 
tery,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 


INDEX. 


491 


Appeals  received  and  issued  by 
Synod,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
by  Assembly,  xii.  4.  p.  370. 
right  of,  G.  xii.  note,  p.369;  D. 
48,  p.  407,  70,  p.  411,  94,  p. 
416. 

entry  on  minutes,  D.  25,  p.  402. 
record  to  be  transmitted,  D.  25, 
p.  402. 

in  cases  without  process,  D.  48, 
p.  407. 

new  evidence  during  prosecu¬ 
tion  of,  D.  70,  p.  411. 
limited  to  judicial  cases,  D.  5, 
p.  398;  D.  94,  p.  416. 
definition  of,  D.  94,  p.  416. 
parties  in,  D.  94,  p.  416. 
grounds  of,  D.  95,  p.  416. 
notice  of,  when  and  how  given, 
D.  96,  p.  416. 

specification  of  errors,  D.  96-99, 
p.  416. 

records  in,  lodgment  of,  D.  96, 
97,  101,  pp.  416,  418. 
time  of  lodgment  of,  D.  97,  p. 
416. 

counsel  in,  D.  97,  p.  416. 
abandonment  of,  D.  97,  p.  416. 
parties  may  not  vote  in,  D.  98, 
p.  417. 

in  order,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
entertainment  of,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
trial  of,  order  in,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
vote  in,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
judgment  in,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
new  trial  in,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
minute  explanatory  of  judgment 
in,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
stays  admonition  or  rebuke,  D. 
100,  p.  418. 

failure  of  judicatory  to  trans¬ 
mit  record  in,  D.  101,  p.  418. 
taken  generally  to  next  higher 
judicatory,  D.  102,  p.  418. 
in  cases  of  differences  between 
judicatories,  D.  123,  p.  422. 
Appellant,  name  given,  D.  94,  p. 
416. 

must  be  an  original  party,  D.  94, 
p.  416. 

must  file  notice  of  appeal,  D.  96, 
p.  416. 

time  of  appearance  of,  D.  97,  p. 
416. 

counsel  for,  D.  97,  p.  416. 
must  lodge  appeal,  D.  97,  p. 
416. 

abandoning  appeal,  D.  97,  p. 
416. 

may  not  vote,  D.  98,  p.  417. 
hearing  of,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
Appellee,  name  given,  D.  94,  p. 

416. 


Appellee  must  lodge  record,  D.  96, 
p.  416,  101,  p.  418.. 
hearing  of,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
judgment  of,  reversed  or  modi¬ 
fied,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
case  remanded  to,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
failure  of,  to  lodge  record,  D. 
101,  p.  418. 

Arguments,  in  prayer,  L.  196,  p. 
309. 

Arts  and  Sciences,  examination  of 
candidates  in,  G.  xiv.  4,  p. 
375. 

Assemblies,  for  worship,  not  to  be 
neglected,  C.  xxi.  6,  p.  102. 
public,  freedom  of,  C.  xxiii.  3,  p. 
109. 

religious,  to  be  protected  by 
State,  C.  xxiii.  3,  p.  109. 
Assembly.  See  General  Assembly. 
Assurance  of  Grace  and  Salvation, 
C.  xviii.,  p.  82;  L.  80,  81,  p, 
189;  S.  36,  p.  324. 
grounds  of,  C.  iii.  8,  p.  25;  xviii, 
2,  p.  83;  L.  80,  p.  189. 
strengthened,  C.  xvi.  2,  p.  74; 
L.  172,  p.  286. 

attainable,  C.  xviii.  1,  p.  83;  L. 

80,  p.  189;  S.  36,  p.  324. 
believers  may  be  without,  C. 
xviii.  3,  p.  84;  L.  81,  p.  190, 
172,  p.  285. 

duty  of  believers  to  possess,  C. 

xviii.  3,  p.  84;  L.  194,  p.  306. 
fruits  of,  C.  xviii.  3,  p.  85. 
may  be  intermitted,  C.  xviii.  4, 
p.  85;  L.  81,  p.  190. 

Atheism,  L.  105,  p.  208;  S.  47,  p. 
327. 

prayer  for  removal  of,  L.  190, 
p.  300. 

Attributes  of  God,  C.  ii.  p.  16;  L. 
7,  p.  144,  101,  p.  205;  S.  4,  p. 
312. 

BACKSLIDING,  C.  xvii.  3,  p.  81; 

xviii.  4,  p.  85;  L.  113,  p.  225. 
Baptism,  C.  xxviii.  p.  121;  L. 
165-167,  p.  279;  176,  177, 
p.  290;  S.  94,  95,  p.  342. 
nature  and  design  of,  C.  xxviii. 
1,  p.  121;  L.  165,  p.  279;  S. 
94,  p.  342;  W.  viii.  2,  3,  pp. 
435,  436. 

perpetuity  of,  C.  xxviii.  1,  p. 

122;  L.  176,  p.  291. 
administered  by  minister  only, 
C.  xxvii.  4,  p.  121;  xxviii.  2, 
p.  122;  L.  176,  p.  290;  W. 
viii.  1,  p.  434. 
mode  of,  C.  xxviii.  3,  p.  123. 
of  believers,  C.  xxviii.  4,  p.  123; 
L.  166,  p.  280;  S.  95,  p.  342. 


492 


INDEX, 


Baptism  of  infants,  C.  xxviii.  4,  6, 
pp.  123,  124;  L.  166,  p.  280; 
177,  p.  291;  S.  95,  p.  342. 
neglect  of,  a  sin,  C.  xxviii.  5, 
p.  123. 

not  necessary  to  salvation,  C. 

xxviii.  5,  p.  124. 
does  not  insure  salvation,  C. 

xxviii.  5,  p.  124. 
efficacy  of,  C.  xxviii.  6,  p.  124. 
benefits  of,  conferred  by  Holy 
Spirit,  C.  xxviii.  6,  p.  124. 
administered  but  once,  C.  xxviii. 

7,  p.  124;  L.  177,  p.  291. 
improvement  of,  L.  167,  p. 
280;  W.  viii.  2,  3,  pp.  435, 
436. 

agreement  of,  with  Lord’s 
Supper,  L.  176,  p.  290. 
difference  of,  from  Lord’s 
Supper,  L.  177,  p.  291. 
register  of,  by  Session,  G.  ix. 
9,  p.  363. 

administration  of,  W.  viii.  p. 
434. 

not  to  be  delayed,  W.  viii.  1, 
p.  434. 

not  to  be  administered  by  pri¬ 
vate  person,  W.  viii.  1,  p. 

434. 

usually  in  the  church,  W.  viii. 
1,  p.  435. 

presentation  of  infant  for,  W. 
viii.  2,  p.  435. 

form  of,  W.  viii.  2,  3,  pp.  435, 
436. 

private,  W.  viii.  1,  p.  434. 
of  adults,  W.  x.  3,  p.  441. 
Baptized  children,  church  mem¬ 
bers,  C.  xxv.  2,  p.  114;  L.  62, 
p.  175;  G.  ii.  4,  p.  355;  D.  6, 
p.  398;  W.  x.  1,  p.  440. 
subject  to  church  government 
and  discipline,  D.  6,  p.  398; 
W.  x.  1,  p.  440. 

names  of,  in  parents’  certifi¬ 
cates  of  dismission,  D.  114, 
p.  420. 

instruction  of,  W.  viii.  4,  p. 

435;  x.  1,  p.  440. 
federally  holy,  W.  viii.  2,  p. 

435. 

relation  of,  to  Church,  W.  x. 
1,  p.  440. 

and  the  Lord’s  Supper,  W.  x. 

1,  p.  440. 

years  of  discretion  of,  W.  x. 

2,  p.  440. 

admission  of,  W.  x.  2,  p.  440. 
examination  of,  W.  x.  3,  p. 
441. 

Baptized  persons,  church  mem¬ 
bers,  D.  6,  p.  398. 


Believers,  comforted  and  edified 
by  Scriptures,  C.  i.  1,  p.  10; 
L.  4,  p.  143. 

remaining  sin  of,  C.  vi.  5,  p.  36; 

xiii.  2,  p.  66;  xvii.  3,  p.  81; 
xix.  6,  p.  89;  L.  78,  p.  187. 

Christ’s  intercession  for,  C. 

viii.  8,  p.  50;  L.  55,  p.  172. 
justification  of,  C.  xi.  p.  59; 

L.  70,  p.  180;  S.  33,  p.  323. 
adoption  of,  C.  xii.  p.  63;  L. 

74,  p.  182;  S.  34,  p.  323. 
sanctification  of,  C.  xiii.  p.  65; 

L.  75,  p.  183;  S.  35,  p.  324. 
conflict  of,  C.  xiii.  2,  3,  p.  66; 

xiv.  3,  p.  69. 

growth  of,  in  grace,  C.  xiii.  3, 
p.  66;  S.  36,  p.  324. 
faith  of,  C.  xiv.  p.  67;  L.  72, 
p.  181;  S.  86,  p.  338. 
assurance  of,  C.  xiv.  3,  p.  70; 

xviii.  p.  82;  L.  80,  81,  p.  189, 
repentance  of,  C.  xv.,  p.  70. 
confession  of  sin  by,  C.  xv.  6, 
p.  72;  L.  190-195,  p.  299;  S. 
98,  p.  344. 

good  works  of,  C.  xvi.  2-6,  p.  73. 
perseverance  of,  C.  xvii.,  p.  79; 
L.  79,  p.  188. 

backsliding  of,  C.  xi.  5,  p.  62; 

xvii.  3,  p.  81;  xviii.  4,  p.  85. 
temporal  judgments  upon,  C. 

xvii.  3,  p.  82;  xix.  6,  p.  90. 
never  utterly  without  faith 
and  love,  C.  xviii.  4,  p.  86. 
moral  law  binding  upon,  C.  xix. 
5,  p.  88. 

use  of  the  law  to,  C.  xix.  6,  p.  89; 

L.  97,  p.  200. 
liberty  of,  C.  xx.,  p.  92. 
may  lawfully  hold  civil  office, 
C.  xxiii.  2,  p.  108. 
to  marry  in  the  Lord,  C.  xxiv. 
3,  p.  111. 

communion  of,  C.  xxvi.,  p.  117; 

xxix.  1,  p.  125;  L.  168,  p.  282. 
distinguished  by  Sacraments, 
C.  xxvii.  1,  p.  119;  L.  162, 
p.  278. 

benefits  of  Lord’s  Supper  to, 
('.  xxix.  1,  7,  pp.  125,  128. 
obligations  of,  C.  xxxv.  4,  p. 
139. 

relation  of,  to  church  censures, 
C.  xxx.,  p.  129. 

after  death,  C.  xxxii.  1,  p.  133; 

L.  86,  p.  192;  S.  37,  p.  324. 
resurrection  of,  C.  xxxii.  2,  3, 
p.  134;  L.  87,  p.  194;  S.  38, 
p. 325. 

at  the  judgment,  C.  xxxiii,  2, 
p.  136;  L.  90,  p.  196;  S.  38, 
p.  325. 


INDEX. 


493 


Believers,  death  of,  L.  85,  p.  192. 
duty  of,  after  receiving  Lord’s 
Supper,  L.  175,  p.  288. 
Benediction,  an  ordinance  estab¬ 
lished  by  Christ,  G.  vii.  1, 
p.  358. 

at  close  of  Assembly,  G.  xii. 
8,  p.  371. 

after  ordination,  G.  xv.  14,  p. 
383. 

after  installment,  G.  xvi.  6, 
p.  386. 

at  close  of  service,  W.  i.  5, 
p.  428;  vii.  5,  p.  434. 
at  Lord’s  Supper,  W.  ix.  5,  p 
438. 

at  close  of  session  of  judicatory, 

R.  43,  p.  487. 

Beneficence.  See  Offerings. 
Bigamy,  L.  139,  p.  247. 

Bills  and  Overtures,  Committee 
on,  duties  of,  R.  11,  p.  482. 
right  of,  to  the  floor,  R.  11,  p. 
482. 

Bishops,  G.  iii.  2,  p.  356;  iv.  p. 
356. 

See  Ministers  and  Pastors. 
Blanks,  filling  of,  R.  17,  p.  483. 
Blasphemy,  L.  113,  p.  222. 
Blessing.  See  Benediction. 
Blindness,  judicial,  C.  v.  6,  p. 
32. 

Blood  of  Christ,  represented  by 
wine  in  Lord’s  Supper,  C. 
xxix.  5,  p.  127;  L.  168-170, 
p.  282;  S.  96;  p.  343. 
how  present  in  Lord’s  Supper, 
C.  xxix.  7,  p.  128;  L.  170,  p. 
283;  S.  96,  p.  343. 
sin  expiated  only  by,  L.  152, 

p.  268. 

remission  of  sins  by,  signified 
in  Baptism,  L.  165,  p.  279. 
Boards  of  Church,  offerings  for, 
W.  vi.  3,  p.  433. 
consolidated  at  Reunion,  A.  L., 
p.  458. 

legacies  to,  A.  L.,  p.  478. 
members  of,  A.  L.,  p.  479. 
salaried  officers  of,  A.  L.,  p.  479. 
Boasting,  L.  145,  p.  257. 

Bodies,  state  after  death,  C.  xxxii., 
p.  133;  L.  86,  p.  192;  S.  37, 
p.  324. 

Body  of  Christ,  a  true  body,  C. 
viii.  2,  p.  45;  L.  37,  p.  161; 

S.  22,  p.  318. 

resurrection  of,  C.  viii.  4,  p.  48; 

L.  52,  p.  169;  S.  28,  p.  321. 
represented  by  bread  in  Lord’s 
Supper,  C.  xxix.  5,  p.  127; 
L.  168-170,  p.  282;  S.  96, 
p.  343. 


Body  of  Christ,  how  present  in 
Lord’s  Supper,  C.  xxix.  7,  p. 
128;  L.  170,  p.  283;  S.  96,  p. 
343. 

Mystical,  the  Church,  C.  xxv. 

1,  p.  114;  L.  66,  p.  177. 
believers,  members  of,  C.  xxix. 
1,  p.  125;  L.  168,  p.  283. 
Bread  not  changed  in  the  Lord’s 
Supper,  C.  xxix.  6,  p.  127. 
daily,  L.  193,  p.  304;  S.  104, 
p.  346. 

Bribery,  L.  142,  p.  251. 

Burial  of  Christ,  C.  viii.  4,  p.  48; 

L.  50,  p.  169;  S.  27,  p.  320. 
Burial  of  the  dead,  W.  xiv.,  p.  448. 
Business,  Moderator  to  guide,  G. 
xix.  1,  2,  p.  389;  R.  4,  5,  p. 
481. 

conduct  of,  R.  4,  p.  481. 
Moderator’s  notes  of,  R.  5,  p. 
481. 

unfinished,  R.  13,  p.  482. 
motion  to  take  up,  R.  18,  p.  483. 
judicial,  solemn  anr' uncement 
of,  R.  40,  p.  486. 

CALL  to  the  ministry,  L.  158, 
p.  273. 

Calling.  See  Effectual  Calling. 
Callings,  lawful,  L.  141,  p.  249; 

unlawful,  L.  142,  p.  251. 

Calls  to  the  pastoral  office,  when 
and  by  whom  to  be  drawn, 
G.  xv.  5,  p.  379. 
subscription  of,  G,  xv.  5,  7, 

p.  379. 

certification  of,  G.  xv.  5-7, 

p.  379. 

form  of,  G.  xv.  6,  p.  379. 
presentation  of,  G.  xv.  8,  9, 

p.  380. 

presentation  of,  equivalent  to 

petition  for  installment,  G. 
xv.  8,  p.  380. 

acceptance  of,  equivalent  to 
request  for  installment,  G. 

xv.  8,  p.  380. 

reception  of,  through  Presby¬ 
tery  only,  G.  xv.  9,  p.  380; 

xvi.  1,  p.  384. 

commissioners  to  prosecute, 
G.  xv.  10,  p.  381;  xvi.  2,  p.  384. 
to  licentiate  of  other  Presby¬ 
tery,  G.  xv.  10,  p.  381. 
ordination  without,  G.  xv.  15, 
p.  384. 

to  settled  minister,  G.  xvi.  2,  3, 
p.  384. 

citations  in,  G.  xvi.  2,  p.  384. 
Candidates,  powers  of  Presby¬ 
tery  concerning,  G.  x.  7, 
p.  365. 


494 


INDEX. 


Candidates,  warrant  for  trials  of, 
G.  xiv.  1,  p.  374. 
reception  of,  G.  xiv.  2,  p.  374.  j 
Presbyterial  connection  of,  G. 

xiv.  2,  p.  374;  C.  R.  3,  p.  454. 
testimonials  of,  G.  xiv.  2,  3, 
p.  374;  10,  p.  378;  C.  R.  3. 
p.  454. 

examination  of,  G.  xiv.  3,  4, 
p.  375;  C.  R.  3,  p.  454. 
diploma  of,  G.  xiv.  3,  p.  375. 
parts  of  trial  of,  G.  xiv.  4,  5,  ! 

p.  375;  C.  R.  2,  p.  454. 
course  of  study  for,  G.  xiv.  6, 
p.  376. 

questions  to,  G.  xiv.  7,  p.  376. 
licensure  of,  G.  xiv.  7,  8,  p.  376. 
record  of  licensure  of,  G.  xiv. 

8,  p.  377;  10,  p.  378. 
removal  of,  G.  xiv.  9,  10,  p. 

377. 

recall  of  license,  G.  xiv.  11,  p. 

378. 

call  to,  G.  xv.  8,  p.  380. 
installation  of,  on  call,  G.  xv. 
8,  p.  380. 

ordination  of,  as  evangelist, 
G.  xv.  15,  p.  384. 
certificate  of  dismission  of, 
specific,  D.  Ill,  p.  420. 
time  limit  of,  D.  115,  p.  421. 
reception  of,  to  be  reported, 
D.  115,  p.  421. 

Canon  of  Scripture,  C.  i.  2,  3, 

p.  10. 

Cares,  distracting,  L.  136,  p.  244. 

worldly,  pastor,  G.  xv.  6,  p.  379. 
Cases  with  process,  general  rules, 
D.  19-33,  pp.  400-404. 
definition  of,  L).  5,  p.  398. 
before  Session,  D.  34,  p.  404; 
47,  p.  406. 

before  Presbytery,  D.  37-46, 
p.  405. 

committees  for,  R.  41,  p.  486. 
Cases,  non-judicial,  D.  5,  p.  398; 

D.  134,  135,  p.  425. 

Cases  without  process,  D.  48-54, 
pp.  407,  408. 

for  contumacy,  D.  34,  p.  404; 

39,  p.  405;  68,  p.  411. 
offence  in  presence  of  judica¬ 
tory,  D.  48,  p.  407. 
of  self-accused  person,  D.  48, 
p.  407. 

offender  heard  in,  D.  48,  p.  407. 
delay  in,  D.  48,  p.  407. 
judgment  in,  D.  49,  p.  407. 
record  in,  D.  48,  49,  p.  407. 
appeal  in,  I).  48,  p.  407. 
name  erased  from  roll  of  com¬ 
municants,  D.  49,  50,  p.  407; 
53,  p.  408. 


Cases,  suspension  of  absent  com¬ 
municants,  D.  50,  p.  407. 
admonition  for  neglect  of  ordi¬ 
nances,  D.  51,  p.  407. 
suspension  for  neglect  of  ordi¬ 
nances,  D.  51,  p.  407. 
minister  put  on  probation,  I). 

52,  p.  408. 

name  of  minister  stricken  from 
roll,  D.  52,  p.  408. 
without  process,  communicant 
joining  another  denomina¬ 
tion  without  dismission,  D. 

53,  p.  408. 

minister  abandoning  ministry, 
D.  54,  p.  408. 

minister  becoming  independent, 
D.  54,  p.  408. 

minister  joining  another  denom¬ 
ination  without  dismission, 
D.  54,  p.  408. 

ministers  joining  heretical  de¬ 
nomination,  D.  54,  p.  408. 
excommunication  of  suspended 
person,  impenitent,  W.  xi. 
5,  p.  442. 

Causes,  second,  C.  iii.  1,  p.  21; 
v.  2,  p.  29. 

Celibacy,  vows  of,  unlawful,  C. 

xxii.  7,  p.  107;  L.  139,  p.  247. 
Censures,  Church,  C.  xxx.,  p.  129. 
on  whom  to  be  inflicted,  C.  xx. 
4,  p.  96;  xxx.  2,  3,  p.  130; 
G.  1,  3,  p.  352. 

administration  of,  to  whom 
committed,  C.  xxx.  2,  p.  130; 
G.  i,  3,  p.  352. 

absolution  from,  C.  xxx.  2,  p. 
130. 

necessity  of,  C.  xxx.  3,  p.  130. 
uses  of,  C.  xxx.  3,  p.  130;  W. 
xi.  1,  p.  441. 

degrees  of,  C.  xxx.  4,  p.  131. 
appointed  by  Christ,  L.  45, 

p.  166. 

sins  against,  aggravated,  L. 
151,  p.  265. 

Church  can  inflict,  G.  viii.  2, 
p.  361. 

excommunication  highest,  G. 
viii.  2,  p.  361. 

power  of  Session  in,  G.  ix.  6, 
p.  362. 

by  Session,  names  of,  G.  ix.  6, 
‘p.  362;  D.  35,  p.  404. 
of  records  of  Session,  G.  x.  7, 
p.  365. 

of  records  of  Presbytery’,  G. 
xi.  4,  p.  368. 

of  records  of  Synod,  G.  xii.  4, 
p.  370. 

for  contumacy,  D.  22,  p.  401; 
68,  p.  411. 


INDEX ; 


495 


Censures,  infliction  and  removal 
of,  D.  31,  p.  404;  W.  xi.  p. 
441. 

in  case  of  ministers,  D.  41,  p. 
405. 

cautions  with  regard  to,  D.  42, 
p.  406. 

of  witnesses  for  contumacy, 
D.  68,  p.  411.  ,  ,  . 

of  records,  how  to  be  recorded, 

D.  75,  p.  412. 

for  failure  to  send  up  records 
in  complaints,  D.  93,  p.  415. 
certain,  suspended  by  appeal, 
D.  100,  p.  418. 
in  appeals,  D.  101,  p.  418. 
inflicted  with  solemnity,  W. 
xi.  1,  p.  441. 

sentence  in,  form  of,  W.  xi.  2,  p. 
441. 

may  be  public,  W.  xi.  2,  6, 
pp.  441,  442. 

mode  of  inflicting,  W.  xi.  8, 
p.  443. 

See  Admonition ,  Deposition , 
Excommunication,  Suspen¬ 
sion. 

Ceremonial  laws  of  O.  T.,  C.  xix. 
3,  p.  87. 

Certificates  of  dismission,  of 
deposed  minister,  D.  45, 
p.  406. 

absentees  to  apply  for,  D.  50, 
p.  407. 

of  minister  demltting  office, 
D.  52,  p.  408. 

joining  another  denomination 
without,  D.  54,  p.  408. 
jurisdiction  over  person  hold¬ 
ing,  D.  109,  p.  419;  110,  p. 
420. 

returned,  D.  109,  110,  pp.  419, 
420. 

time-limit  of,  D.  109,  110,  114, 
115,  pp.  419-421. 
shall  be  specific,  D.  1  i  1 ,  114, 
p.  420. 

of  members  of  extinct  church, 
D.  112,  p.  420. 

of  members  of  extinct  Presby¬ 
tery,  D.  113,  p.  420. 
of  communicants,  D.  1 14,  p.  420. 
baptized  children  included  in, 
D.  114,  p.  420. 

of  minister,  licentiate,  or  can¬ 
didate,  D.  115,  p.  421. 
qualified,  D.  116,  p.  421. 
Certificates  of  marriage,  W.  xii. 
7,  p.  441. 

Chairman  of  committee,  R.  9, 
p.  482. 

absence  of,  how  provided  for, 
R.  9,  p.  482. 


Charge  at  ordination,  G.  xv.  14, 
p.  383. 

at  installment,  G.  xvi.  6,  p.  386. 

Charges  (judicial),  D.  iii .,  p.  400. 
failure  to  show  probable  cause 
for,  D.  15,  p.  399. 
accompanied  by  specifications, 
D.  16,  p.  400. 

shall  allege  but  one  offence,  D. 
17,  p.  400. 

several  at  same  time,  D.  17, 
p.  400. 

vote  on,  D.  17,  p.  400;  24,  p.  400. 
averment  accompanying,  D.  18, 
p.  400. 

reading  of,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
copy  of,  for  accused,  D.  20, 
p.  401. 

objections  to,  D.  23,  p.  401. 
amendments  to,  D.  23,  p.  401. 
sufficiency  of,  D.  23,  p.  401._ 
entered  on  minutes,  D.  25,  p. 
402. 

member  under,  debarred  from 
privileges,  D.  33,  p.  404;  40, 
p.  405;  46,  47,  p.  406. 
pending  against  communicant 
joining  another  denomina¬ 
tion,  D.  53,  p.  408. 
pending  against  minister  re¬ 
nouncing  jurisdiction,  D.  54, 
p.  408. 

proof  of,  D.  59,  p.  409. 
when  proved  by  one  witness, 
D.  59,  p.  409. 

time-limit  for  bringing,  D.  117, 
p.  421. 

Charity,  L.  135,  p.  242;  144,  p. 
253;  147,  p.  259. 

Assembly  to  promote,  G.  xii. 
5,  p.  370. 

Chastity,  L.  138,  p.  245. 

Cheerfulness,  L.  135,  p.  241. 

Children,  dying  in  infancy,  saved, 
C.  x.  3,  p.  57;  D.S.  2,  p.  140. 
are  conceived  and  born  in  sin, 
L.  26,  p.  155. 

of  believers,  members  of  Church, 
C.  xxv.  2,  p.  114;  G.  ii.  4, 
p.  355;  D.  6,  p.  398. 
of  believers,  to  be  baptized, 
C.  xxviii.  4,  p.  123;  L.  166, 
p.  279;  S.  95,  p.  340;  D.  6, 
p.  398;  W.  viii.  3,  p.  436. 
of  believers,  included  in  cove¬ 
nant  of  grace,  L.  166,  p.  280. 
baptism  of,  W.  viii.,  p.  434. 
Christ  blessed,  W.  viii.  3,  p.  436. 
religious  instruction  of,  W. 
xvi.  5,  p.  451. 

See  also  Baptized  Children. 

!  Children  of  God,  C.  xii.  1,  p.  63; 
L.  74,  p.  183;  S.  34,  p.  323. 


496 


INDEX. 


Christ  the  Mediator,  C.  viii.  p.  43; 
L.  36-59,  p.  161;  S.  21-30, 
p.  318. 

the  elect  chosen  in,  C.  iii.  5, 
p.  23;  viii.  1,  p.  44;  L.  13, 
p.  148. 

elect  only  redeemed  by,  C.  iii. 
6,  p.  24. 

salvation  by,  freely  offered  to 
all,  C.  vii.  3,  p.  39;  xxxv.  2, 
p.  139;  D.  S.  1,  p.  140;  L. 
32,  p.  158;  S.  31,  p.  322. 
the  testator  of  the  New  Testa¬ 
ment,  C.  vii.  4,  p.  40. 
prefigured  in  Old  Testament 
types  and  ordinances,  C.  vii. 
5,  p.  41;  viii.  6,  p.  49;  xix.  3, 
p.  88;  L.  34,  p.  160. 
the  substance  exhibited  in 
gospel,  C.  vii.  6,  p.  42;  L. 
35,  p.  160. 

ordained  Mediator  from  eter¬ 
nity,  C.  viii.  1,  p.  43. 

Son  of  God,  C.  viii.  1,  2,  pp. 
43-45;  L.  36,  p.  161;  52,  p. 
169;  S.  21,  p.  318. 
office  of,  as  Prophet,  C.  viii.  1, 
p.  44;  L.  43,  p.  164;  S.  24, 
p.  319. 

as  Priest,  C.  viii.  1,  p.  44;  L. 

44,  p.  165;  S.  25,  p.  320. 

as  King,  C.  viii.  1,  p.  44;  L. 

45,  p.  165;  S.  26,  p.  320. 
Head  of  the  Church,  C.  viii.  1, 

p.  44;  xxv.  1,  p.  114;  xxv.  6, 
p.  116;  xxvi.  1,  p.  117;  L. 
52,  p.  169;  53,  p.  171;  64, 
p.  176. 

Saviour  of  Church,  C.  viii.  1, 
p.  44;  L.  60,  p.  175. 

Heir  of  all  things,  C.  viii.  1,  p.  44. 
Judge  of  the  world,  C.  viii.  1, 
p.  44. 

seed  of,  the  elect,  C.  viii.  1, 
p.  44;  L.  31,  p.  157. 
truly  God,  C.  viii.  2,  p.  45;  L. 
11,  p.  146;  36,  p.  161;  S.  22, 
p.  318. 

truly  man,  C.  viii.  2,  p.  45;  L. 
^  37,  p.  161;  S.  22,  p.  318. 

God  and  man  in  one  person, 
C.  viii.  2,  p.  45;  viii.  3,  p.  46; 
viii.  7,  p.  50;  L.  36,  p.  161; 
S.  22,  p.  318. 

necessary  that  He  should  be 
both,  L.  38-40,  pp.  162,  163. 
sinless,  C.  viii.  2,  p.  45;  viii.  3, 
p.  46;  L.  37,  p.  161;  44,  p. 
165;  S.  22,  p.  319. 
only  Mediator,  C.  viii.  2,  p.  46; 
L.  181,  p-  294. 

anointed  with  Holy  Spirit,  C. 
viii.  3,  p.  46;  L.  42,  p.  164. 


Christ,  all  fulness  in,  C.  viii.  3,  p. 

46. 

Surety,  C.  viii.  3,  p.  46;  L.  71, 
p.  172. 

called  by  the  Father,  C.  viii. 

3,  p.  47. 

all  power  and  judgment  com¬ 
mitted  to,  C.  viii.  3,  p.  47; 
L.  42,  p.  164. 

willingly  undertakes  His  office, 
C.  viii.  4,  p.  47. 
humiliation  of,  C.  viii.  2,  p.  45; 
viii.  4,  p.  47;  L.  37,  p.  101; 
46-50,  p.  167;  S.  21,  22,  p. 
318. 

sufferings  and  death  of,  C.  viii. 

4,  p.  47;  L.  38,  p.  162;  49, 
p.  168;  S.  27,  p.  320. 

exaltation  of,  C.  viii.  4,  p.  48; 
L.  51-56,  d.  169;  S.  28,  p. 
321. 

resurrection  of,  C.  viii.  4,  p.  48; 
L.  51,  52,  p.  169;  S.  28,  p. 
321. 

ascension  of,  C.  viii.  4,  p.  48; 

L.  53,  p.  170;  S.  28,  p.  321. 
session  of,  at  right  hand  of 
God,  C.  viii.  4,  p.  48;  L.  54, 
p.  171;  S.  28,  p.  321. 
intercession  of,  C.  viii.  4,  p.  48; 
viii.  8,  p.  50;  L.  38,  39,  p.  162; 
44,  p.  165;  55,  p.  172;  79, 
p.  188;  S.  25,  p.  320. 
coming  to  judge  the  world,  C. 
viii.  4,  p.  48;  xxxiii.  p.  135; 
L.  56,  p.  173;  S.  28,  p.  321. 
efficacy  of  obedience  and  sac¬ 
rifice  of,  C.  viii.  5,  6,  p.  49; 
L.  40,  p.  163;  57,  p.  173. 
satisfaction  of,  C.  viii.  5*  p.  49; 
xi.  1,  p.  59;  xi.  3,  p.  60;  L. 
40,  p.  163;  52,  p.  170;  70,  71, 


p. 

180; 

194, 

P- 

306; 

S. 

25, 

p. 

320. 

obedience 

of,  C 

!.  viii.  5, 

p. 

49; 

xi. 

1,  p. 

59;  xi.  3 

,  P-  60; 

xix. 

6, 

p.  90 

;  L. 

38, 

p.  162; 

39, 

p. 

163; 

70, 

71, 

p.  180; 

95, 

p. 

107; 

194, 

P- 

306; 

s. 

27 

P. 

320. 

sacrifice  of,  C. 

Vlll 

i.  5, 

p- 

49; 

L.  44,  p.  165;  49,  p.  168;  55, 
p.  172;  S.  25,  p.  320. 
propitiation  for  sins  of  the 
world,  D.  S.  1,  p.  140. 
benefits  of,  communicated  to 
elect  in  all  ages,  C.  viii.  6, 
p.  49;  L.  34,  p.  159. 
redemption  of,  effectually 
applied,  C.  viii.  8,  p.  50;  L. 
59,  p.  174;  S.  29.  p.  321. 
infants  regenerated  and  saved 
by,  C.  x.  3,  p.  57. 


INDEX. 


497 


Christ,  justification  for  sake  of,  C. 
xi.  1,  p.  59;  xv.  3,  p.  71;  L. 
70,  p.  180;  S.  33,  p.  323. 
faith  in,  instrument  of  justifi¬ 
cation,  C.  xi.  2,  p.  60;  L.  73, 

p.  182. 

See  Faith. 

applied  unto  elect  by  Holy  Spirit, 
0.  xi.  4,  p.  62. 

adoption  in  and  for,  C.  xii.  1, 
p.  63;  L.  39,  p.  63. 
sanctification  through  death 
and  resurrection  of,  C.  xiii. 

1,  p.  65;  L.  75,  p  183. 
Author  and  Finisher  of  faith, 

C.  xiv.  3,  p.  70. 

believers  created  in,  unto  good 
works,  C.  xvi.  2,  p.  75. 
believers  accepted  through,  C. 
xvi.  6,  p.  77;  L.  194,  p.  305; 
W.  v.  1,  p.  430. 

perseverance  of  saints  depends 
upon  merit  and  intercession 
of,  C.  xvii.  2,  p.  80;  L.  79, 

p.  188. 

love  for,  believers  never  utterly 
without,  C.  xviii.  4,  p.  86. 
strengthens  obligation  to  moral 
law,  C.  xix.  5,  p.  89. 
liberty  purchased  by,  C.  xx.  1, 
p.  92. 

peace  and  order  established 
in  Church  by,  C.  xx.  4,  p.  96. 
worship  only  through,  C.  xxi. 

2,  p.  98. 

prayer  in  name  of,  C.  xxi.  3, 
p.  99;  L.  178,  p.  292;  180, 
p.  293;  181,  p.  294;  S.  98, 
p.  344. 

government  and  discipline 
appointed  in  Church  by,  C. 
xxiii.  3,  p.  109;  xxx.  1,  p.  129; 
L.  45,  p.  166;  G.  i.  3,  p.  352; 

D.  1,  p.  397. 

the  Church  the  Kingdom  of, 
C.  xxv.  2.  p.  114;  G.  ii.  1, 
p.  354;  W.  v.  2,  p.  430. 
gifts  of,  to  Church,  C.  xxv.  3, 
p.  115;  L.  53,  p.  171;  54,  p. 
172. 

and  His  benefits  represented 
by  Sacraments,  C.  xxvii.  1, 
p.  119;  L.  162,  p.  277;  S. 
92,  p.  341. 

not  offered  up  in  Lord’s  Supper, 
C.  xxix.  2,  p.  125. 
body  and  blood  of,  in  the  Lord’s 
Supper,  C.  xxix.  5-8,  p.  127; 
L.  168,  169,  p.  282;  S.  96, 
p.  343. 

church  officers  appointed  by, 
C.  xxx.  1,  p.  129;  L.  45,  p. 
166;  G.  i.  3,  p.  352. 

32 


Christ,  honor  of,  vindicated  by 
church  censures,  C.  xxx.  3,  p. 
130;  D.  2,  p.  397. 
resurrection  of  unjust  by  power 
of,  C.  xxxii.  3,  p.  134;  L.  87, 
p.  194. 

second  coming  of,  C.  xxxiii.  3,  p. 
137;  L.  53,  p.  171;  88,  p.  195; 
176,  p.  291;  191,  p.  302. 
second  Adam,  L.  31,  p.  157. 
covenant  of  grace  made  with, 
L.  31,  p.  157. 

why  called  Jesus,  L.  41,  p.  164. 
wny  called  Christ,  L.  42,  p.  164. 
temptation  of,  L.  48,  p.  167. 
vanquished  death  and  Satan, 
L.  52,  p.  170. 

Lord  of  living  and  dead,  L.  52, 
p.  170. 

no  salvation  out  of,  L.  60,  p. 
174. 

righteousness  of,  imputed,  L. 

77,  p.  186;  S.  33,  p.  323. 
Sacraments  effectual  by  bless¬ 
ing  of,  L.  161,  p.  276;  S.  91, 
p.  341. 

only  Redeemer,  S.  21,  p.  318. 
Christian  Government,  we  live 
under  a,  W.  xv.  4,  p.  449. 
Christian  liberty.  See  Liberty. 
Christians,  Young,  who  are,  \Y. 
x.  1,  p.  440. 

admission  of,  W.  x.  2,  p.  440. 
years  of  discretion  in,  W.  x.  2, 
p.  440. 

See  also  Baptized  Children. 
Church,  The,  C.  xxv.  p.  114;  L. 
60-65,  p.  174. 

revelation  of  God  to,  C.  i.  1, 

p.  10. 

nature  of  testimony  of,  to  the 
Sacred  Scriptures,  C.  i.  5, 

p.  12. 

object  of  God’s  special  provi¬ 
dence,  C.  v.  7,  p.  34. 

Christ  the  Head  of,  C.  viii. 
p.  44;  xxv.  1,  p.  114;  xxv.  6, 
p.  116;  xxvi.  1,  p.  117;  L. 
52,  p.  170;  53,  p.  171;  64, 
P-  176. 

Christ  the  Saviour  of,  C.  viii. 

1,  p.  44;  L.  60,  p.  175. 
given  to  Christ  from  eternity, 
C.  viii.  1,  p.  44. 

Israel,  under  age,  C.  xix.  3,  p. 
87. 

external  peace  and  order  estab¬ 
lished  in,  by  Christ,  C.  xx. 
4,  p.  96. 

may  call  offenders  to  account, 
C.  xx.  4,  p.  96. 

to  be  protected  by  the  State, 
C.  xxiii.  3,  p.  109. 


498 


INDEX. 


Church,  The,  freedom  of,  from  State 
control,  C.  xxiii.  3,  p.  109. 
government  and  discipline  of, 
appointed  by  Christ,  C.  xxiii. 
3,  p.  109;  G.  i.  3,  p.  352;  D. 

1,  p.  397. 

catholic  invisible  defined,  C. 

xxv.  1,  p.  114;  L.  64,  p.  176. 
catholic  visible  defined,  C. 
xxv.  2,  p.  114;  L.  62,  p.  175; 
G.  ii.  2,  p.  354. 

the  Kingdom  of  Christ,  C.  xxv. 

2,  p.  114;  G.  ii.  1,  p.  354; 
W.  v.  2,  p.  430. 

no  ordinary  possibility  of  sal¬ 
vation  out  of,  C.  xxv.  2,  p. 
115;  L.  60,  p.  175. 
gifts  of  Christ  to,  C.  xxv.  3, 
p.  115;  L.  53,  p.  171;  54,  p. 
172;  63,  p.  176. 

tests  of  purity  of,  C.  xxv.  4, 
p.  115. 

perpetuity  of,  C.  xxv.  5,  p.  116. 
relation  of  Holy  Spirit  to,  C. 

xxxiv.  4,  p.  139. 
commissioned  to  go  into  all  the 
world,  C.  xxxv.  4,  p.  139. 
authority  in,  upheld  by  fifth 
commandment,  L.  124,  p.  231. 
prayer  for,  L.  183,  p.  295;  184, 
p.  296;  191,  p.  301;  W.  v.  2, 
p.  430. 

power  of,  ministerial  and 
declarative,  G.  i.  7,  p.  353. 
erected  by  Christ,  G.  ii.  1,  p. 
354. 

Church  (congregation),  praise  in, 
W.  iv.  1,  p.  429. 
censure  in  presence  of,  W.  xi. 
2,  p.  441. 

restoration  in  presence  of,  W. 

xi.  4,  p.  442. 

See  also  Congregation  and 
Session. 

Church  (sanctuary),  assembling 
in,  for  worship,  W.  ii.  1,  p. 
428. 

public  worship  of,  W.  v.  1,  p. 
430. 

power  of  Session  over  uses  of, 
G.  ix.  7,  p.  363;  A.  L.,  p.  474. 
Church,  Collegiate,  representa¬ 
tion  of,  G.  x.  3,  p.  364. 
Church,  Extinct,  status  of  mem¬ 
bers  of,  D.  112,  p.  420. 
Session  of,  cases  of  discipline 
before,  D.  112,  p.  420. 
Church,  Particular,  member  of 
catholic,  C.  xxv.  4,  p.  115. 
may  degenerate,  C.  xxv.  4,  p. 
116. 

warrant  for,  G.  ii.  3,  p.  354. 
definition  of,  G.  ii.  4,  p.  355. 


Church,  Particular,  organization 
of,  steps  in,  A.  L.,  p.  475. 

See  also  Congregation. 
Committee  of  Presbytery,  for 
newly  organized,  A.  L.,  p. 
476. 

imperfectly  organized,  A.  L. 
p.  471. 

officers  of,  G.  iii.  2,  p.  356. 
ordinances  in,  G.  vii.,  p.  358. 
Session  of,  G.  ix.,  p.  361. 
representation  of,  in  Presby¬ 
tery,  G.  x.  2-4,  p.  364. 
power  of  Presbytery  over,  G. 
x.  8,  p.  366. 

visitation  of,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 
care  of  Synod  over,  G.  xi.  4, 
p.  368. 

represented  by  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  G.  xii.  1,  p.  369. 
care  of  General  Assembly  over, 
G.  xii.  5,  p.  370. 
testimony  of  Assembly  against 
error  or  immorality  in,  G. 

xii.  5,  p.  370. 

acceptance  of  officers  by,  G. 

xiii.  4,  p.  372. 

proceedings  of,  reported  to  and 
reviewed  by  Session,  D.  72, 
p.  412. 

proceedings  of,  on  records  of 
Session,  D.  72,  p.  412. 
special  organizations  of,  G. 
xxiii.,  p.  393. 

See  also  Congregation,  Dea¬ 
cons,  Pastors,  Ruling 
Elders,  Session. 

Church,  Presbyterian,  in  U.  S. 
A.,  Assembly  to  superintend 
the  whole,  G.  xii.  5,  p. 
370. 

attested  records  valid  in  every 
part  of,  G.  xx.,  p.  390. 
prosecutor  in  judicial  cases, 
D.  11,  p.  399. 

Boards  of,  W.  vi.  3,  p.  433. 
Church,  Vacant,  representation 
of,  G.  x.  4,  p.  364. 
definition  of,  G.  xvii.  1,  p.  387. 
supply  of,  G.  xviii.,  p.  388. 
public  worship  of,  G.  xxi.,  p. 
390. 

Church  Government,  Form  of,  p. 
351. 

Church  Government,  See  Govtrn- 
ment. 

Church  members,  who  are,  C.  xxv. 
2,  p.  114;  G.  ii.  2,  p.  354;  ii. 
4,  p.  355. 

children  of  professing  Christians 
are,  C.  xxv.  2,  p.  114;  G.  ii.  2, 
p.  354;  ii.  4,  p.  355;  D.  6,  p. 
398;  W.  x.  1,  p.  440. 


INDEX. 


Church  members,  distinguished 
from  world  by  Sacraments,  C. 
xxvii.  1,  p.  119;  L.  162,  p.  278. 
engaged  to  service  of  God  in 
Sacraments,  C.  xxvii.  1,  p. 
120;  L.  162,  p.  278. 
obligations  of,  C.  xxxv.  4,  p.  139. 
subject  to  discipline,  G.  viii. 
2,  p.  360;  D.  1,  p.  397;  6, 
p.  398. 

may  be  summoned  as  wit¬ 
nesses,  G.  viii.  2,  p.  360;  ix. 
6,  p.  362. 

jurisdiction  over,  G.  ix.  6,  p. 

362;  D.  108,  p.  419. 
obligations  of,  to  Ruling  Elders 
and  Deacons,  G.  xiii.  4,  p. 
3/2. 

to  Pastor,  G.  xv.  13,  p. 
383;  xvi.  6,  p.  386. 
charge  to,  in  installment  of 
Ruling  Elder  or  Deacon,  G. 
xiii.  4,  p.  372. 

in  installment  of  Pastor,  G. 
xv.  14,  p.  383;  xvi.  6, 
p.  386. 

in  extinct  churches,  D.  112,  p. 
420. 

See  also  Communicants. 
Church  officers.  See  Officers. 
Church  ordinances.  See  Ordi¬ 
nances. 

Church  Session.  See  Session. 
Churches  located  in  different 
Presbyteries,  single  pastorate 
of,  A.  L.,  p.  473. 
recommendation  of,  for  con¬ 
tributions,  A.  L.,  p.  462. 
Circular  letter,  G.  x.  9,  p.  367; 
xix.  2,  p.  389. 

Circumcision,  type  under  O.  T.,  C. 

yii.  5,  p.  41;  W.  viii.  2,  p.  435. 
Citations,  authority  of  judica¬ 
tories  to  issue,  G.  viii.  2,  p. 
360. 

authority  of  Session  to  issue, 
G.  ix.  6,  p.  363. 

in  calls,  of  ministers  and  con¬ 
gregations,  G.  xvi.  2,  p.  384. 
judicial,  D.  20-23,  p.  401. 
issuing  of,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
time-limit  of,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
signed  by  whom,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
of  witnesses,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
service  of,  D.  21,  p.  401. 
refusal  to  obey,  D.  22,  p.  401; 

34,  p.  404;  39,  p.  405. 
second,  D.  22,  p.  401;  34,  p. 
404;  39,  p.  405. 

third,  of  minister  or  elder,  D. 
39,  p.  405. 

of  judicatory,  to  produce  rec¬ 
ords,  D.  76,  p.  412;  77,  p.  413. 


Civil  jurisdiction,  not  in  Church, 
C.  xxxi.  4,  p.  132;  G.  viii.  2, 
p.  360. 

Civil  Magistrate.  See  Magis¬ 
trate. 

Civil  penalties,  sins  against,  aggra¬ 
vated,  L.  151,  p.  265. 

Church  cannot  inflict,  G.  viii. 
2,  p.  360. 

Civil  power  and  Christian  liberty, 

C.  xx.  4,  p.  96. 

fast  or  thanksgiving  appointed 
by,  W.  xv.  4,  p.  449. 

Clerks,  G.,  xx.  p.  390. 

appointment  of,  G.  xx.,  p.  390. 
duties  of,  G.  xx.,  p.  390. 
to  record  transactions,  G.  xx., 
p.  390. 

to  preserve  records,  G.  xx.,  p. 
390. 

to  grant  extracts  from  records, 
G.  xx.,  p.  390. 

to  authenticate  records,  G.  xx., 
p.  390;  D.  25,  p.  402;  64,  p. 
410. 

to  sign  citations,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
to  receive  testimony,  D.  66, 
p.  410. 

action  of,  in  complaints,  D.  85, 
87,  pp.  414,  415. 
action  of,  in  appeals,  D.  96,  97, 
p.  416. 

duties  of,  relating  to  judicial 
commissions,  D.  124,  p.  422; 

D.  131,  p.  424. 

to  form  complete  roll,  R.  10, 
p.  482. 

to  add  names  to  roll,  R.  10, 
p.  482. 

to  file  all  papers,  R.  11,  p  482. 
Stated,  to  receive  all  papers, 
R.  11,  p.  482. 

to  deliver  papers  to  Committee 
on  Bills  and  Overtures,  R. 
11,  p.  482. 

Cohabitation,  L.  138,  p.  246. 
Collections.  See  Offerings. 
Commandments,  The  Ten,  L. 
98-148,  p.  201;  S.  41-81, 
p.  326. 

text  of,  p.  348. 

are  sum  of  the  moral  law,  C.  xix. 
2,  p.  87;  L.  98,  p.  201;  S.  41, 
p.  326. 

a  perfect  rule  of  righteousness, 
C.  xix.  2,  p.  87;  L.  99,  p. 
202. 

rules  for  understanding,  L.  99, 

p.  202. 

preface  to,  explained,  L.  101, 
p.  205;  S.  43,  44,  p.  326. 
sum  of,  L.  102,  p.  206;  122,  p. 
230;  S.  42,  p.  326. 


500 


INDEX. 


Commandments,  The  Ten,  first,  L. 
103,  p.  206;  S.  45,  p.  327. 
second,  L.  107,  p.  213;  S.  49, 
p.  328. 

third,  L.  Ill,  p.  219;  S.  53,  p. 
329. 

fourth,  L.  115,  p.  225;  S.  57, 
p.  330. 

fifth,  L.  123,  p.  231;  S.  63,  p. 
332. 

sixth,  L.  134,  p.  239;  S.  67, 
p.  333. 

seventh,  L.  137,  p.  244;  S.  70, 
p.  334. 

eighth,  L.  140,  p.  248;  S.  73, 
p.  33o. 

ninth,  L.  143,  p.  252;  S.  76,  p. 
336. 

tenth,  L.  146,  p.  259;  S.  79, 
p.  336. 

no  mere  man  able  perfectly  to 
keep,  L.  149,  p.  260;  S.  82, 
p.  337. 

Commission  to  General  Assembly, 
produced  before  enrollment, 
G.  xii.  7,  p.  371;  xxii.  2,  p. 
392. 

filed,  G.  xii.  7,  p.  371. 
form  of,  G.  xxii.  2,  p.  392. 
Commissioners  (congregational), 
to  prosecute  call,  G.  xv.  10, 
p.  381;  xvi.  2,  p.  384. 
in  Pastor’s  removal,  G.  xvi.  2, 
p.  384;  xvii.  1,  p.  387. 
Commissioners  (delegates),  to 
Presbytery,  G.  ix.  6,  p.  362; 
x.  2-5,  p.  364. 

to  Presbytery,  certificates  of, 
G.  x.  5,  p.  364. 
to  Synod,  G.  xi.  1,  p.  367. 
to  General  Assembly,  G.  xxii. 
p.  392. 

ratio  of,  G.  xii.  2,  p.  370. 
enrollment  of,  G.  xii.  7,  p.  371.  j 
appointment  of,  G.  xxii.  1,  p.  ; 
392. 

alternate,  G.  xxii.  1,  p.  392. 
commission  of,  G.  xxii.  1,  p.  392. 
expenses  of,  G.  xxii.  3,  p.  393. 
Commissions,  Executive.  See 
Executive. 

Commissions,  judicial,  D.  xiii., 
p.  421. 

of  Presbytery,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365; 

D.  118,  124,  pp.  421,  422. 
of  Synod,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368;  D. 

118,  124,  pp.  421,  422. 
of  General  Assembly,  G.  xii. 
4,  p.  370;  D.  118,  p.  421; 
125-134,  pp.  423,  424. 
may  be  appointed,  D.  1 18,  p.421 . 
how  constituted,  D.  118,  p.  421; 
D.  125,  p.  423. 


Commissions,  decisions  of,  D.  122. 
p.  422. 

review  of  decisions  of,  D.  124, 
p.  424;  D.  132,  p.  424. 
time  and  place  of  sitting  of, 
D.  121,  p. 422;  D.  128,  p. 423. 
findings  of,  D.  122,  p.  422;  D. 
136,  p.  425. 

quorum  of,  D.  120,  p.  422;  I). 
127,  p.  423. 

to  take  testimony,  D.  66,  p.  410. 
applications  for,  D.  66,  p.  410. 
how  appointed,  D.  66,  p.  410. 
within  jurisdiction  of  another 
body,  D.  66,  p.  410. 
rules  for,  D.  66,  p.  410. 
competency  of  testimony  before, 
D.  66,  p.  410. 

transmission  of  testimony  be¬ 
fore,  D.  66,  p.  410. 

Commit,  motion  to,  R.  18,  19, 
p.  483. 

may  speak  but  once  on,  R.  18, 
p.  483. 

when  in  order,  R.  19,  p.  483. 
precedence  of,  R.  19,  p.  483. 
Committees,  of  prosecution,  D. 
12,  p.  399. 

to  conduct  cases  against  coor¬ 
dinate  judicatories,  D.  122, 
p.  422. 

appointment  of,  R.  7,  p.  481. 
chairmen  of,  R.  9,  p.  482. 
how  convened,  R.  9,  p.  482. 
on  Bills  and  Overtures,  R.  11, 
p.  482. 

judicial,  R.  41,  p.  486. 

Common  fame,  cases  on.  See  D. 

7,  11,  pp.  398,  399. 

Common  good,  sins  against,  aggra¬ 
vated,  L.  151,  p.  263. 
Communicants,  qualifications  of, 
right  of  determining  in  the 
church,  G.  i.  2,  p.  352;  W.  x. 
2,  p.  440. 

children  of,  members  of  Church, 
G.  ii.  4,  p.  355;  D.  6,  p.  398; 
W.  x.  1,  p.  440. 

represented  by  Ruling  Elders, 
G.  v.  1,  p.  357. 

elect  Ruling  Elders,  G.  v.  1, 
p.  357;  xiii.  2,  p.  372. 
received  by  Session,  G.  ix.  6, 
p.  362;  W.  x.  2,  3,  p.  441. 
power  of  Session  over,  G.  ix. 
6,  p.  362. 

register  of,  G.  ix.  9,  p.  363. 
elect  Deacons,  G.  xiii.  2,  p.  372. 
elect  Pastor,  G.  xv.  4,  p.  379. 
contumacy  of,  suspension  for, 
I).  34,  p.  404. 

witlulrawalof,  not  undercharges, 

D.  49,  p.  407. 


INDEX. 


501 


Communicants,  name  of,  erased  j  Company,  chaste,  L.  138,  p.  245. 
from  roll,  D.  49,  50,  p.  407;  j  unchaste,  L.  139,  p.  248. 

Compassion,  L.  135,  p.  242. 
Complainant,  who  may  be,  D. 


53,  p.  408. 

absent,  without  certificate,  D. 
50,  p.  407. 

suspended,  roll  of,  D.  50,  p.  407. 
absentee,  separate  roll  of,  D. 

50,  p.  407.  .  , 

suspension  of,  without  pro¬ 
cess,  D.  50,  51,  p.  407. 
in  neglect  of  church  ordinances, 
D.  51,  p.  407. 

joining  other  denominations, 
D.  53,  p.  408. 

jurisdiction  over,  D.  108,  109, 
p.  419. 

dismissed,  status  of,  D.  109, 

p.  419. 

returning  certificates,  D.  L09, 
p.  419. 

removals  of,  D.  114,  p.  420. 
must  have  certificates  of  dis¬ 
mission,  D.  114,  p.  420. 
baptized  children  of,  included 
in  certificate,  D.  114,  p.  420. 
certificate  of,  how  long  valid, 
D.  114,  p.  420. 

reception  of,  to  be  reported, 
D.  114,  p.  420. 

suspended,  conduct  towards, 
W.  xi.  3,  p.  442. 
suspended,  repentance  of,  W. 
xi.  4,  p.  442. 

suspended  and  unrepentant, 
W.  xi.  5,  p.  442. 
restoration  of,  W.  xi.  4,  p.  442; 
xi.  7,  p.  443. 

excommunication  of,  W.  xi.  6, 
p.  443. 

See  also  Church  Members. 

Communications,  corrupt,  L.  139, 
p.  246. 

Communion  of  Saints,  C.  xxvi., 
p.  117. 

with  Christ,  C.  xxvi.  1,  p.  117; 
L.  65,  p.  177;  69,  p.  179;  82, 
p.  190;  83,  p.  191;  86,  p.  192; 
90,  p.  197. 

with  saints,  C.  xxvi.  1,  p.  117; 
xxvi.  2,  p.  118. 

does  not  infer  equality  with 
Christ,  C.  xxvi.  3,  p.  118. 
does  not  infer  community  of 
goods,  C.  xxvi.  3,  p.  119. 
confirmed  in  the  Lord’s  Sup¬ 
per,  C.  xxix.  1,  p.  125;  L. 

168,  p.  282. 

a  privilege  of  the  visible  Church, 
L.  63,  p.  176. 

Communion,  terms  of,  right  of 
Churches  to  declare,  G.  i.  2, 
p.  352. 

See  also  Lord's  Supper. 


84,  p.  414. 

must  give  notice,  D.  85,  p.  414. 
must  lodge  complaint,  D.  87, 
p.  415. 

hearing  of,  D.  88,  p.  415. 
name  given  to,  D.  90,  p.  415. 
may  not  vote,  D.  91,  p.  415. 
may  appeal,  D.  92,  p.  415. 
Complaints,  D.  84-93,  pp.  414, 
4i5. 

to  be  received  by  judicatories, 

C.  xxxi.  2,  p.  132. 

power  of  Presbytery  in,  G.  x. 
7,  p.  365. 

power  of  Synod  in,  G.  xi.  4,  p. 
368. 

power  of  Assembly  in,  G.  xii. 
4,  p.  370. 

cause  carried  to  higher  judi¬ 
catory  by,  D.  71,  p.  411. 
definition  of,  D.  84,  p.  414. 
who  may  make,  D.  84,  p.  414. 
grounds  of,  D.  84,  p.  414. 
notice  of,  when  and  how  given, 

D.  85,  p.  414. 

time  of  lodgment  of,  with 
higher  judicatory,  D.  85,  87, 
p.  414. 

duty  of  clerk  in,  D.  85,  p.  414. 
records  in  cases  of,  to  be  sent 
up,  D.  85,  p.  414;  93,  p.  415. 
stay  of  proceedings  by,  D.  86, 
p.  414. 

procedure  in  hearing  of,  D.  88, 
p.  415. 

effect  of,  if  sustained,  D.  90,  p. 
415. 

names  of  parties  in,  D.  90,  p. 
415. 

inferior  judicatory  to  be  cen¬ 
sured  if  records  and  papers 
are  not  sent  up,  D.  93,  p. 
41.5. 

superior  judicatory  can  make 
necessary  orders  pending  pro¬ 
duction  of  papers,  D.  93,  p. 
415. 

counsel  in,  D.  90,  p.  415. 
parties  in,  may  not  vote,  D. 
91,  p.  415. 

parties  may  complain,  D.  92, 
p.  415. 

Concurrent  Declarations,  1869, 
A.  L.,  p.  457;  1904,  A.  L.,  p. 
479. 

Condition  of  the  Covenant  of 
Works,  and  of  life,  C.  vii.  2, 
p.  38;  xix.  1,  p.  86;  L.  20, 
p.  153;  S.  12,  p.  315. 


502 


INDEX. 


Confession  of  Faith ,  p.  9. 

Confession  of  sins,  to  whom  to  be 
made,  C.  xv.  6,  p.  72. 

Confidence,  Assembly  the  bond 
of  mutual,  G.  xii.  4,  p.  370. 

Congregation,  spiritual  govern¬ 
ment  of,  by  Session,  G.  ix. 
6,  p.  362. 

power  of  Session  to  concert 
measures  for,  G.  ix.  6,  p.  362. 
representation  of,  in  Presby¬ 
tery,  G.  x.  2-4,  p.  364;  xiii. 
8,  p.  374. 

collegiate,  representation  of, 
G.  x.  3,  p.  364. 

vacant,  representation  of,  G. 
x.  4,  p.  364. 

union  or  division  of,  G.  x.  7, 
p.  365. 

new,  formation  or  reception 
of,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 
representation  of,  in  Synod, 
G.  xi.  1,  p.  367. 

election  of  Ruling  Elders  and 
Deacons  by,  G.  xiii.  2,  p.  372; 
xiii.  8,  p.  374. 

Ruling  Elders  or  Deacons  unac¬ 
ceptable  to,  G.  xiii.  6,  p.  373. 
candidate  before,  G.  xv.  1,  p. 
378. 

election  of  Pastor  by,  G.  xv. 
1-5,  p.  378. 

call  of  Pastor  by,  G.  xv.  5-7, 
p.  379;  xvi.  1-3,  p.  384. 
commissioners  of,  G.  xv.  10, 
p.  381;  xvi.  2,  p.  384;  xvii., 
p.  387. 

citation  of,  in  calls,  G.  xvi.  2,  p. 

384;  xvii.,  p.387. 
action  of,  in  translation  of 
minister,  G.  xvi.  3,  p.  385. 
action  of,  in  resignation  of  pas¬ 
tor,  G.  xvii.,  p.  387. 
release  of,  from  Pastor,  G.  xvii., 
p.  387. 

organizations  in,  G.  xxiii.,  p. 
393. 

proceedings  of,  reported  to  and 
reviewed  by  Session,  D.  72,  1 
p.  412. 

v  ongregational  meetings,  records 
of,  A.  L.,  p.  475. 
assembling  for  worship,  W.  i. 
5,  p.  428. 

behavior  of,  during  service, 
W.  ii.,  p.  428. 

singing  of,  W.  iv.  3,  p.  429. 
systematic  beneficence  of,  W. 

vi.  1,  p.  432;  vi.  4,  p.  433. 
Baptism  in  presence  of,  W.  j 
viii.  1,  p.  434. 

public  notice  to,  of  Lord's  Sup¬ 
per,  W.  ix.  3,  p.  437. 


Congregational  meetings,  fasts  and 
thanksgivings  observed  by, 
W.  xv.  3,  4,  p.  449. 
public  notice  to,  of  fasts  and 
thanksgivings,  W.  xv.  5,  p. 
450. 

See  also  Church ,  Chinch 
Members ,  Communicants. 

Conscience,  liberty  of,  C.  xx.  p. 
92;  G.  i.  1,  p.  352. 

God  alone  Lord  of,  C.  xx.  2, 
p.  94;  G.  i.  1,  p.  352. 
cases  of,  determined  by  Synods 
and  Councils,  C.  xxxi.  2,  p. 
132. 

making  men  lords  of,  forbidden, 
L.  105,  p.  211. 

sins  against,  aggravated,  L. 
151,  p.  265. 

Church  cannot  bind,  G.  i.  7, 
p.  353. 

Constancy,  prayer  for,  L.  192, 
p.  304. 

Constitutional  Rules,  p.  453. 

Constitutional  Rules,  how  made 
obligatory,  G.  xii.  6,  p.  371. 
appended  to  Constitution,  G. 
xii.  6,  p.  371. 

Contempt  of  superiors,  L.  128, 
p.  234. 

Contentment,  L.  147,  p.  259;  S. 
80,  p.  337. 

Continency,  L.  138,  p.  245. 

Contracts,  L.  141,  p.  248. 

Control,  Review  and,  D.  71-77, 
pp.  411-413. 

Controversies,  Religious,  final 
appeal  in,  C.  i.  8,  p.  14;  i. 
10,  p.  15. 

the  Supreme  Judge  in,  C.  i.  10, 
p.  15. 

by  whom  determined  minis¬ 
terially,  C.  xxxi.  2,  p.  132. 
Assembly’s  power  to  decide, 
G.  xii.  5,  p.  370. 

Contumacy,  excommunication 
for,  G.  viii.  2,  p.  360. 
of  accused  persons,  D.  22,  p. 

401;  34,  p.  404;  39,  p.  405. 
of  witnesses,  D.  22,  p.  401;  68, 
p.  411. 

in  cases  before  Sessions,  D.  34, 
p.  404. 

of  ministers,  D.  39,  p.  405. 
of  Ruling  Elders  or  Deacons, 
1).  39,  p.  405;  47,  p.  406. 
suspension  from  office  for,  D. 
39,  p.  405;  47,  p.  406. 

Conversation  forbidden,  R.  34, 
p.  486. 

Conversion,  C.  ix.  4,  p.  53. 

See  also  Effectual  Calling , 
RepcnUiu**. 


INDEX. 


503 


Correction,  fatherly,  of  God’s 
children,  C.  v.  5,  p.  31;  xi. 
5,  p.  62;  xii.  1,  p.  64. 
Correspondence,  among  churches, 
Assembly  the  bond  of,  G. 
xii.  4,  p.  370. 

with  foreign  Churches,  G.  xii. 
5,  p.  370. 

Corresponding  members,  of  Pres¬ 
bytery,  G.  x.  11,  p.  367. 
cannot  vote,  G.  x.  11,  p.  367. 
of  Synod,  G.  xi.  3,  p.  368. 
permanent  officers  have  rights 
of,  R.  42,  p.  487. 

Corrupt  practices,  neglect  of,  by 
judicatory,  D.  77,  p.  413. 
Corruption  of  nature,  C.  vi.  2-6, 
p.  34;  L.  25,  26,  p.  154;  S. 
18,  p.  317. 

how  propagated,  C.  vi.  3,  p.  35; 
L.  26,  p.  155. 

source  of  actual  sin,  C.  vi.  4, 
p.  36;  L.  25,  p.  155;  S.  18, 
p.  317. 

all  motions  of,  truly  sin,  C.  vi. 
5,  p.  37. 

remains  in  regenerate,  C.  vi. 
5,  p.  36;  ix.  4,  p.  53;  xiii.  2,  3, 
p.  66;  L.  78,  p.  187. 
acknowledged  in  prayer,  L. 
191-195,  p.  300. 

Councils.  See  Synods  and  Coun¬ 
cils. 

Counsel,  appointed  in  absence 
of  accused,  D.  22,  p.  401. 
accused  may  appear  by,  D.  23, 
p.  401;  34,  p.  404;  38,  p. 
405. 

for  either  party,  D.  27,  p.  403. 
members  of  judicatory,  D.  27, 
p.  403. 

may  not  vote  or  judge,  D.  27, 
p.  403. 

ministers  and  elders  eligible, 
D.  27,  p.  403. 

not  to  accept  fees,  D.  27,  p.  403. 
in  appeals,  D.  97,  p.  416. 
Counsel  (advice),  a  duty  of  supe¬ 
riors,  L.  129,  p.  235. 

Courtesy,  L.  135,  p.  242. 
Covenant,  God’s,  with  man,  C. 
vii.,  p.  38. 

necessary  to  enjoyment  of 
God,  C.  vii.  1,  p.  38. 
of  works,  C.  iv.  2,  p.  27;  vii. 

2,  p.  38;  vii.  3,  p.  39;  xix.  1, 
p.  86;  L.  20,  p.  153;  30,  p. 
157;  S.  12,  p.  315. 

Covenant  of  Grace,  C.  vii.  3-6, 
p.  39;  L.  30-36,  p.  157;  S. 
20,  p.  318. 

faith  the  condition  of,  C.  vii. 

3,  p.  39;  L.  32,  p.  158. 


Covenant,  why  called  a  Testa¬ 
ment,  C.  vii.  4,  p.  40. 
under  the  O.  T.,  C.  vii.  5,  p.  40; 
L.  34,  p.  159. 

under  the  Gospel,  C.  vii.  6, 
p.  42;  L.  35,  p.  160. 
not  two,  but  one,  C.  vii.  6,  p.  43. 
Mediator  of,  C.  viii.  1,  p.  43; 

L.  32,  p.  158;  36,  p.  161. 
with  whom  made,  L.  31,  p.  157. 
Covenants,  sins  against,  aggra¬ 
vated,  L.  151,  p.  265. 
Covetousness,  L.  142,  p.  252. 
Creation,  C.  iv.,  p.  26;  L.  15-17, 
p.  149;  S.  9,  10,  p.  314. 
testimony  of  works  of,  C.  i.  1, 
p.  9. 

of  the  world,  C.  iv.  1,  p.  26; 

L.  15,  p.  149;  S.  9,  p.  314. 
of  man,  C.  iv.  2,  p.  27;  L.  17, 
p.  150;  S.  10,  p.  315. 
of  angels,  L.  16,  p.  149. 
Credulity,  forbidden,  L.  105,  p. 
210. 

Creed,  The  Apostles’,  p.  350. 
Critical  exercise  of  candidates, 
G.  xiv.  4,  p.  375. 

Cup,  denial  of,  to  the  people,  C. 
xxix.  4,  p.  127. 

Curse  and  wrath  of  God,  man 
liable  to,  C.  vi.  6,  p.  37;  L. 
27,  p.  155;  96,  p.  200;  152, 
p.  268;  S.  19,  p.  317;  84,  p. 
338. 

freedom  of  believers  from,  C. 

xix.  6,  p.  90;  xx.  1,  p.  92. 
borne  by  Christ,  L.  49,  p.  168; 

97,  p.  201;  S.  27,  p.  320. 
way  of  escape  from,  L.  153,  p. 
268;  S.  85,  p.  338. 

Curse  upon  the  creatures,  L.  28, 
p.  156. 

Cursing,  L.  113,  p.  222. 

DANCINGS,  lascivious,  L.  139,  p. 
248. 

Deacons,  church  officers,  G.  iii.  2, 
p.  356. 

warrant  for,  G.  vi.,  p.  358. 
duties  of,  G.  vi.,  p.  358. 
manage  temporalities,  G.  vi., 
p.  358. 

qualifications  of,  G.  xiii.  2,  p. 
372. 

election  of,  G.  xiii.  2,  p.  372; 
8,  p.  374. 

ordination  of,  G.  xiii.  4,  p.  372. 
vows  of,  D.  S.,  p.  140;  G.  xiii. 
4,  p.  372. 

acceptance  of,  by  Church,  G. 
xiii.  4,  p.  372. 

office  of,  perpetual,  G.  xiii.  6. 
p.  373. 


504 


INDEX. 


Deacons,  how  divested  of  office,  G. 
xiii.  6,  p.  373. 

ceasing  to  act,  G.  xiii.  7,  p.  373. 
term-service  of,  G.  xiii.  8,  p. 
374. 

presiding  at  worship,  G.  xxi., 
p.  390. 

general  rules  for  trial  of,  D. 
47,  p.  406. 

tried  by  Session,  D.  19,  p.  400; 
47,  p.  406. 

cease  to  act  at  dismission,  D. 
109,  p.  419. 

not  restored  to  exercise  of 
functions  by  return  of  cer¬ 
tificate,  D.  109,  p.  419. 

Dead,  resurrection  of,  C.  xxxii., 
p.  133;  L.  52,  p.  170;  87,  p.  j 
194;  S.  38,  p.  325. 
not  to  be  prayed  for,  C.  xxi.  4, 
p.  99;  L.  183,  p.  295. 
burial  of,  W.  xiv.,  p.  448. 
Death,  in  sin,  C.  vi.  2,  p.  34;  vi. 

3,  p.  35;  ix.  3,  p.  52. 
penalty  of  sin,  C.  vi.  6,  p.  37; 

L.  20,  p.  153;  28,  p.  156;  84, 
p.  191;  93,  p.  198;  S.  12,  p. 
315;  19,  p.  317. 

sting  of,  freedom  of  believers 
from,  C.  xx.  1,  p.  92;  L.  85, 
p.  192. 

the  sin  unto,  C.  xxi.  4,  p.  100; 
L.  183,  p.  295. 

state  of  man  after,  C.  xxxii.,  p. 
133;  L.  86,  p.  192;  S.  37,  p. 
324. 

vanquished  by  Christ,  L.  52, 
p.  170. 

of  believers,  L.  85,  p.  192;  S. 
37,  p.  324. 

Death  of  Christ,  C.  viii.  4,  p.  47; 
xi.  3,  p.  60;  xi.  4,  p.  61;  L. 
46,  p.  167;  49,  p.  168;  52, 
p.  169;  S.  27,  p.  320. 
fellowship  of  saints  in,  C.  xxvi. 

1,  p.  117. 

Lord’s  Supper  a  memorial  of, 
C.  xxix.  1,  p.  125;  L.  168, 
p.  282;  S.  96,  p.  343;  W.  ix. 

4,  p.  437. 

See  also  under  Christ. 

Debts,  duty  of  paying,  L.  141, 
p.  248. 

Decalogue.  See  Commandments. 
Decisions,  judicial,  not  to  be 
reversed  unless  regularly, 
upon  appeal,  D.  75,  p.  412. 
Declarations,  Concurrent: 

See  Concurrent  Declarations. 
Declaratory  Statement,  p.  140. 
Decrees  of  God,  C.  iii.,  p.  20;  D. 

S.  1,  p.  140;  L.  12-14,  p.  147;  S.  i 
7,  8,  p.  314. 


Decrees  of  God  embrate  all  events, 
C.  iii.  1,  p.  20;  D.  S.  1,  p.  140; 
L.  12,  p.  147;  S.  7,  p.  314. 
as  related  to  second  causes, 

C.  iii.  1,  p.  21;  v.  2,  p.  29. 
absolute,  C.  iii.  2,  p.  21. 

for  God’s  glory,  C.  iii.  3,  p.  22; 

D.  S.  1,  p.  140;  L.  12,  p.  147; 
S.  7,  p.  314. 

murmuring  at,  prying  into  or 
misapplying,  sinful,  L.  113, 

p.  222. 

See  Election ,  Predestina¬ 
tion,  Preterition. 

Decrees  and  determinations  of 
Synods  and  Councils,  C. 
xxxi.  2,  p.  132. 

Degrees  of  consanguinity,  C.  xxiv. 

4,  p.  112;  W.  xii.  3,  p.  444. 
Delegates,  appointment  of,  G. 
ix.  6,  p.  362;  xi.  1,  p.  367; 
xii.  2,  p.  370. 

See  also  Commissioners. 
Demission  of  ministry,  D.  52,  p. 
408. 

Deposition,  only  way  of  divest¬ 
ing  Ruling  Elder  or  Deacon 
of  office,  G.  xiii.  6,  p.  373. 
Deposition  by  Session,  D.  35,  p. 
404;  47,  p.  406. 

of  minister,  D.  41,  p.  405;  42, 
45,  p.  406;  54,  p.  408. 
cautions  in  cases  of,  D.  42.  p.  406. 
restoration  after,  1).  44,  p.  406. 
without  process,  54,  p.  408. 
Desertion,  wilful  and  irremedia¬ 
ble;  ground  for  divorce,  C. 
xxiv.  6,  p.  113. 
forbidden,  L.  139,  p.  248. 
Despair,  L.  105,  p.  210. 

Devil.  See  Satan. 

Differences  between  judicatories, 
D.  137-139,  p.  425. 
procedure  of  aggrieved  judi¬ 
catory  in,  D.  85,  p.  414;  87, 
p.  414;  121,  122,  p.  422. 
lodgment  of  notice  of  memorial 
in,  D.  121,  p.  422. 
committee  to  conduct  case  in, 
D.  122,  p.  422. 

authority  and  judgment  of 
higher  judicatory  in,  D.  123, 
p.  422. 

appeal  in,  D.  123,  p.  422. 
Diligence,  L.  141,  p.  249;  192, 
p.  304. 

Dipping,  C.  xxviii.  3,  p.  123. 

See  Baptism. 

Directory  for  Worship ,  p.  427. 
Discipline,  Book  of,  p.  397. 
Discipline,  warrant  for,  C.  xxiii. 
3,  p.  109;  L.  45,  p.  165;  G.  i.  3, 
p.  352. 


INDEX. 


505 


Discipline,  ends  of,  C.  xxx.  3,  p. 
130;  G.  i.  3,  p.  352;  D.  2,  p. 
397. 

duty  of  officers  to  exercise,  L. 

108,  p.  214;  G.  i.  3,  p.  352. 
in  accord  with  scriptural  rules, 
G.  i.  3,  p.  352;  i.  7,  p.  353; 
D.  1,  3,  4,  p.  397. 
purely  moral  or  spiritual,  G. 

i.  8,  p.  353;  viii.  2,  p.  360. 
vigor  and  strictness  of,  G.  i.  8, 
p.  353. 

an  ordinance  of  Christ  in  a 
particular  church,  G.  vii., 
p.  358. 

jurisdiction  in,  of  Session,  G. 
ix.  6,  p.  362;  D.  19,  p.  400; 
108,  p.  419. 

of  Presbytery,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365; 

D.  19,  p.  400;  108,  p.  419. 
of  Synod,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
of  Assembly,  G.  xii.  4,  5,  p. 
370. 

controversies  respecting,  de¬ 
cided  by  Assembly,  G.  xii.  5, 
p.  370. 

definition  of,  D  1,  p.  397. 
who  are  subject  to,  D.  1,  p. 
397;  8,  p.  398. 

discretion  in  exercise  of,  D.  2, 
p.  397;  8,  p.  398;  14,  p.  397; 
37,  p.  405;  41,  42,  p.  405. 
children  of  the  Church  subject 
to,  D.  6,  p.  398. 

cases  of,  in  extinct  church,  D. 
112,  p.  420. 

in  extinct  Presbytery,  D.  113, 
p.  420. 

See  also  Censures. 
Discontent,  L.  105,  p.  212;  148, 
p.  259;  S.  81,  p.  337. 

Disease,  purpose  of,  W.  xiii.  2, 
p.  447. 

Dismission,  of  ministers,  reported 
to  Synod,  G.  x.  8,  p.  366. 
jurisdiction  in  cases  of,  D.  xi., 
p.  419. 

terminates  right  to  deliberate 
or  vote,  D.  109,  p.  419;  110, 
p.  420. 

terminates  exercise  of  official 
functions,  D.  109,  p.  419; 

See  also  Certificates. 
Dispensations,  various,  C.  vii.  6, 
p.  43. 

Dissents,  D.  x.,  p.  419. 
definition  of,  D.  103,  p.  418. 
form  of,  D.  105,  p.  418. 
entered  on  records,  D.  105,  p. 

418. 

right  of,  D.  107,  p.  419. 
in  judicial  cases,  D.  107,  p. 

419. 


Dissolution  of  General  Assem¬ 
bly,  G.  xii.  8,  p.  371. 
of  pastoral  relation,  G.  xvi.  3, 
p.  385;  xvii.,  p.  387. 

Distressed,  comfort  and  succor 
of,  L.  135,  p.  242. 

Division  on  vote,  R.  27,  p.  485. 

Divorce,  grounds  of,  C.  xxiv.  5, 
6,  pp.  112,  113. 

party  obtaining,  for  adultery, 
may  marry,  C.  xxiv.  5,  p. 
112. 

procedure  in,  public  and 
orderly,  C.  xxiv.  6,  p.  113. 
unjust,  L.  139,  p.  247. 

Doctrine,  sound,  minister  to 
preach,  L.  159,  p.  274;  G. 
xiv.  4,  p.  375;  W.  vii.  1,  2, 
p.  433. 

soundness  of,  preserved  by 
higher  judicatories,  G.  x.  1, 
p.  364. 

questions  of,  power  of  Presby¬ 
tery  in,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 
decisions  of  Synod  affecting, 
not  final,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
controversies  of,  Assembly  to 
decide,  G.  xii.  5,  p.  370. 
matter  for  discipline,  D.  3,  p 
397. 

text  of  sermon  should  contain, 
W.  vii.  2,  p.  433. 

Drink,  temperance  in,  L.  135, 
p.  241;  136,  p.  244. 

Drunkenness,  L.  139,  p.  248. 

Duties  of  superiors,  inferiors  and 
equals,  L.  124-133,  p.  231; 
S.  64-66,  p.  333. 
required  in  Commandments. 

See  Commandments. 

Duty  to  God,  rule  of,  C.  i.  4,  p.  12; 
L.  5,  p.  143;  92,  p.  197;  S. 
3,  p.  312;  40,  p.  326. 
shown  by  light  of  nature,  C. 
xxi.  1,  p.  97. 

required  of  man,  L.  91,  p.  197; 
S.  39,  p.  325. 


EFFECTUAL  CALLING,  C.  x.,  p. 

54;  L.  67,  68,  p.  177;  S.  31, 
p.  322. 

extends  to  elect  only,  C.  iii.  6, 
p.  24;  x.  1,  p.  54;  L.  68,  p. 
178. 

consists  with  human  freedom, 
C.  x.  1,  po  56;  L.  67,  p.  178. 
man  passive  in,  C.  x.  2,  p.  56. 
assurance  of,  C.  xviii.  3,  p.  84. 
who  are  united  to  Christ  in, 
L.  66,  p.  177. 

subjects  of,  are  justified,  C. 
xi.  1,  p.  59;  S.  32,  p.  323. 


506 


INDEX. 


Effectual  calling,  subjects  of,  are  ; 
sanctified,  C.  xiii.  1,  p.  65; 
S.  32,  p.  323. 

persevere,  C.  xvii.  1,  p.  79; 

S.  32,  p.  323. 
adopted,  S.  32,  p.  323. 
Elders,  ministers  are,  G.  iv.,  p. 
356. 

See  Ruling  Elders. 

Elect,  The,  number  of,  C.  iii.  4, 
p.  22;  D.  S.  1,  p.  140. 
chosen  from  eternity,  C.  iii.  5, 
p.  23;  viii.  1,  p.  43. 
are  effectually  called  and  saved, 

C.  iii.  6,  p.  24;  x.  1,  p.  54; 
x.  3,  p.  57;  L.  30,  p.  157;  32, 
p.  158;  67,  p.  177. 

none  other  saved,  C.  iii.  6,  p.  24; 

D.  S.  1,  p.  140;  L.  68,  p.  178. 
under  O.  T.  saved  by  Christ,  C. 

vii.  5,  p.  41;  viii.  6,  p.  49. 
infants,  C.  x.  3,  p.  57;  D.  S. 
2,  p.  140. 

some  of,  cannot  be  called  by 
the  Word,  C.  x.  3,  p.  57. 
the  non-,  C.  x.  4,  p.  57;  D.  S. 
1,  p.  140. 

the  invisible  Church,  C.  xxv.  1, 
p.  114;  L.  64,  p.  176. 
covenant  of  grace  made  with, 
in  Christ,  L.  31,  p.  157. 

Holy  Spirit  promised  and  given 
to,  L.  32,  p.  158. 
the  only  Redeemer  of,  S.  21, 
p.  318. 

See  also  Believers. 

Election,  of  mere  free  grace,  C. 
iii.  5,  p.  23;  L.  13,  p.  148;  i 
S.  20,  p.  318. 

from  eternity  in  Christ,  C.  iii. 
5,  p.  23;  L.  13,  p.  148;  S.  20, 
p.  318. 

not  only  to  the  end,  but  also 
to  the  means,  C.  iii.  6,  p.  23; 
L.  13,  p.  148. 

doctrine  of,  use  to  be  made  of, 
C.  iii.  8,  p.  25;  D.  S.  1,  p.  I 
140. 

Election  of  officers,  right  of,  in 
society,  G.  i.  6,  p.  353. 
of  commissioners  to  Assembly, 
G.  xii.  2,  p.  370;  xxii.  1,  p.  j 
392. 

of  Ruling  Elders,  G.  xiii.  2, 
p.  372. 

of  Deacons,  G.  xiii.  2,  p.  372.  1 
of  Moderators,  G.  xix.  3,  p.  390; 
R.  2,  p.  481. 

members  in  trans.  may  not 
vote  in,  D.  109,  p.  419;  110, 
p.  420. 

Election  of  Pastor,  G.  xv.  1-5, 
p.  378.  i 


Election  of  Paster,  meeting  for, 
how  called,  G.  xv.  1,  p.  378. 
minister  to  preside  at,  G.  xv. 

2,  p.  378. 

notice  of  meeting  for,  G.  xv. 

3,  p.  378. 

voting  in,  G.  xv.  4,  p.  379;  D. 
109,  p.  419. 

minority  at,  G.  xv.  5,  p.  379. 
majority  at,  G.  xv.  5,  p.  379. 
Emergency  meetings,  of  judica¬ 
tories,  G.  x.  9,  p.  367;  xix. 
2,  p.  389. 

Employments,  wrorldly,  rest  from, 
on  Sabbath,  L.  117,  p.  227; 
119,  p.  228;  S.  60,  p.  331; 
61,  p.  332. 

Enemies,  prayer  for,  L.  183,  p.  295. 
Engagements,  sins  against,  aggra¬ 
vated,  L.  151,  p.  265. 

Envy,  L.  128,  p.  234;  132,  p.  239; 
142,  p.  252;  148,  p.  259;  S. 
81,  p.  337. 

Equals,  duties  of,  L.  131,  p.  .238 
^  sins  of,  L.  132,  p.  239. 

Errors,  power  of  Presbytery  in, 
G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 

testimony  of  Assembly  against, 
G.  xii.  5,  p.  370. 
to  be  carefully  considered,  D. 
42,  p.  406. 

Eternity  of  God,  C.  ii.  1,  p.  17; 

L.  7,  p.  144;  S.  4,  p.  312. 
Eucharist.  See  Lord's  Supper. 
Evangelist,  definition  of,  G.  xv. 
15,  p.  384;  xviii.,  p.  388. 
ordination  of,  G.  xv.  15,  p.  384. 
as  missionary,  G.  xviii.,  p.  388. 
Local,  C.  R.  1,  p.  481. 
Evidence,  D.  viii.,  p.  409. 
false,  L.  145,  p.  255. 
insufficient,  D.  8,  p.  398;  37, 
p.  405. 

specified  with  charges,  D.  16, 
p.  400. 

competent,  other  than  testi¬ 
mony,  D.  24,  p.  409;  59,  p. 
409. 

introduction  of,  D.  24,  p.  402. 
in  rebuttal,  D.  24,  p.  402. 
new,  during  trial,  D.  24,  p.  402. 
filing  of,  D.  25,  p.  402. 
questions  as  to,  D.  28,  p.  403. 
of  repentance,  D.  41,  p.  4 05; 
51,  p.  407;  W.  xi.  2,  p.  441; 
xi.  7,  p.  443. 

care  in  receiving,  D.  55,  p.  409. 
kinds  of,  D.  59,  p.  409. 
other,  necessary  to  support 
one  witness,  D.  59,  p.  409. 
records  of  judicatory  are  good 
and  sufficient  in  every  other 
judicatory,  D.  64,  p.  410. 


INDEX. 


507 


Evidence,  new,  after  trial,  D.  69, 
p.  411. 

new,  during  prosecution  of 
appeal,  D.  70,  p.  411. 

See  also  Testimony. 

Evil-doers,  punishment  of,  L. 
129,  p.  236. 

Evils  in  churches,  power  of 
Presbytery  to  redress,  G.  x. 
7,  p.  365. 

Exaltation  of  Christ,  C.  viii.  4, 
p.  48;  L.  51-56,  p.  169;  S. 
28,  p.  321. 

Example,  power  of,  L.  151,  p.  262. 

Exceptions,  D.  26,  p.  403. 

Exclusion,  power  of,  C.  xxx.  2, 
p.  130;  G.  viii.  2,  p.  360. 

Excommunication,  highest  cen¬ 
sure,  C.  xxx.  4,  p.  131;  G. 
viii.  2,  p.  360;  D.  35,  p.  404. 
power  of  Session  in,  G.  ix.  6, 
p.  362;  D.  35,  p.  405;  41,  p. 
405;  47,  p.  406. 

power  of  Presbytery  in,  D.  41, 
p.  405;  54,  p.  408. 
not  without  process,  for  neg¬ 
lect  of  ordinances,  D.  51, 
p.  407. 

without  process,  of  minister 
joining  heretical  denomina¬ 
tion,  D.  54,  p.  408. 
without  process,  of  person, 
suspended  after  trial,  con¬ 
tinuing  impenitent,  W.  xi.  5, 
p.  442. 

design  of,  W.  xi.  5,  p.  442. 
sentence  of,  W.  xi.  6,  p.  442. 
publication  of,  W.  xi.  6,  p.  442. 
omission  of  publication  of,  W. 
xi.  6,  p.  442. 

restoration  from,  W.  xi.  7,  p. 
443. 

Executive  Commission,  of  Pres¬ 
bytery,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 
of  Synod,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
of  Assembly,  G.  xii.  4,  p.  370. 

Experience,  aggravates  sin,  L. 
151,  p.  261. 

Expiation,  only  by  blood  of  Christ, 
L.  152,  p.  268. 

Expounding  of  the  Scriptures, 
W.  iii.  3,  p.  429;  vii.  2,  p.  433. 

Extortion,  L.  142,  p.  251. 

Extraordinary  meetings,  of  judi¬ 
catories,  G.  x.  9,  p.  367;  xix. 
2,  p.  389. 

FAITH,  implicit,  in  doctrines  of 
men,  not  to  be  required,  C. 
xx.  2,  p.  94. 

matters  of,  liberty  of  con¬ 
science  in,  C.  xx.  2,  p.  94; 
xxiii.  3,  p.  109. 


Faith,  Saving,  C.  xiv.,  p.  67;  L. 

72,  73,  p.  181;  S.  86,  p.  338. 
foreseen,  not  ground  of  elec¬ 
tion,  C.  iii.  5,  p.  23. 

condition  in  Covenant  of  Grace, 
C.  vii.  3,  p.  39;  L.  32,  p. 
158. 

the  gift  of  God,  C.  vii.  3,  p  39; 

xi.  1,  p.  59;  L.  71,  p.  181. 
wrought  by  the  Spirit,  C.  viii. 
8,  p.  51;  xiv.  1,  p.  67;  L.  59, 
p.  174;  72,  p.  181;  S.  30,  p. 
322. 

not  the  ground  of  justification, 
C.  xi.  1,  p.  59;  L.  71,  p.  181; 

73,  p.  182. 

the  only  instrument  of  justifi¬ 
cation,  C.  xi.  2,  p.  60;  L.  73, 

p.  182. 

in  justified  person  is  not  alone, 
C.  xi.  2,  p.  60. 

fruits  and  evidences  of,  C.  xi. 
2,  p.  60;  xiv.  3,  p.  69;  L.  32, 
p.  158;  73,  p.  182. 
wrought  ordinarily  by  ministry 
of  Word,  C.  xiv.  1,  p.  67;  L. 
72,  p.  181;  155,  p.  270;  S.  89, 
p.  340. 

increased  and  strengthened  by 
Word, Sacraments  and  prayer, 
C.  xiv.  1,  p.  67;  L.  155,  p.  270; 
162,  p.  277;  S.  89,  p.  340. 
acts  of,  C.  xiv.  2,  p.  68;  L.  72, 
p.  181;  S.  86,  p.  338. 
different  degrees  of,  C.  xiv.  3, 
p.  69. 

assurance  not  of  essence  of,  C. 

xviii.  3,  p.  84;  L.  81,  p.  189. 
necessary  to  acceptable  prayer, 
C.  xxi.  3,  p.  99;  L.  180,  p. 
293;  S.  98,  p.  344. 
necessary  to  right  use  of  Scrip¬ 
tures,  C.  xxi.  5,  p.  100;  L. 
160,  p.  275;  S.  90,  p.  340. 
saints  are  united  to  Christ  by, 
C.  xxvi.  1,  p.  117. 
necessary  to  right  use  of  Lord’s 
Supper,  C.  xxix.  7,  p.  128; 
L.  170,  p.  283;  S.  96,  97,  p. 
343. 


necessary  to  right  use  of  Sac¬ 
raments,  S.  91,  p.  341. 


Fall  of  man,  C.  vi. 

1, 

p. 

34; 

L. 

21-27,  p.  153; 

S. 

13 

-19, 

P- 

315. 

nature  of,  C.  vi. 

1, 

P- 

34; 

L. 

-tui^  V7.  V  X.  X,  Ji. 

21,  p.  153;  S.  13,  15,  p.  316. 


why  permitted,  C.  vi.  1,  p.  34. 
effects  of,  C.  vi.  2,  3,  p.  34; 

L.  23,  p.  154;  S.  17,  p.  317. 
all  mankind  involved  in,  C. 
vi.  3,  p.  35;  L.  22,  p.  153;  S. 
16,  p.  316. 


508 


INDEX. 


Fall  of  man,  makes  man  incapable 
of  life  by  Covenant  of  Works, 
C.  vii.  3,  p.  39. 

ability  of  will  to  spiritual  good 
lost  by,  C.  ix.  3,  p.  52;  L.  25, 
p.  153. 

Family  of  God,  The  Church,  C. 
xxv.  2,  p.  115. 

Family  and  the  Sabbath,  L.  118, 
p.  228;  W.  i.  3,  p.  427;  i.  4, 
p.  428. 

authority  in,  L.  124,  p.  231. 
duties  of  head  of,  L.  129,  p.235; 
W.  xvi.  4,  5,  p.  451. 

Family  instruction,  time  for,  W. 
xvi.  5,  p.  451. 

importance  of,  W.  xvi.  5,  p.  451. 
Family  worship,  W.  xvi.,  p.  450. 
daily,  required,  C.  xxi.  6,  p.  101. 
on  the  Sabbath,  W.  i.  4,  p.  428. 
singing  at,  W.  iv.  1,  p.  429. 
time  for,  W.  xvi.  3,  p.  451. 
leader  of,  W.  xvi.  4,  p.  451. 
manner  of,  W.  xvi.  4,  p.  451. 
participants  in,  W.  xvi.  4,  p.  451 . 
Fasting,  W.  xv.,  p.  449. 

part  of  worship  of  God,  C.  xxi. 

5,  p.  101;  L.  108,  p.  214. 

an  ordinance  of  Christ  in  the 
Church,  G.  vii.,  p.  358. 

Fasts,  before  ordination,  G.  xv. 
11,  p.  381. 

before  Lord’s  Supper,  W.  ix. 

6,  p.  440. 

marriage  not  to  be  during,  W. 
xii.  7,  p.  444. 

propriety  of  observance  of, 
W.  xv.  2,  p.  449. 
who  to  observe,  W.  xv.  3,  p. 
449. 

private,  W.  xv.  3,  4,  p.  449. 
congregational,  W.  xv.  3,  4, 
p.  449. 

presbyterial,  W.  xv.  3,  4,  p.  449. 
synodical,  W.  xv.  3,  4,  p.  449. 
General  Assembly  and,  W.  xv. 
4,  p.  449. 

civil  power  and,  W.  xv.  4,  p. 

449. 

public  notice  of,  W.  xv.  5,  p. 

450. 

public  worship  in,  W.  xv.  6,  7,  | 
p.  450. 

duty  of  ministers  in,  W.  xv. 

7,  p.  450. 

Fatherhood  of  God,  C.  xxxiv.  3, 
p.  138;  C.  xxxv.  1,  p.  139; 
L.  189,  p.  271;  S.  100,  p.  345. 
Father  and  mother,  meaning  of,  ' 
in  fifth  commandment,  L. 
124,  p.  231. 

Fear  of  God,  required,  L.  104, 
p.  207. 


Fees  for  counsel,  prohibited,  D. 
27,  p.  403. 

Fellowship,  right  hand  of,  G. 
xiii.  5,  p.  373;  xv.  14.  p.  383. 

Fellowship  of  believers. 

See  Communion  of  Saints. 

Fervency,  necessary  to  accept¬ 
able  prayer,  C.  xxi.  3,  p.  99; 
L.  185,  p.  297. 

Flattery,  L.  144,  p.  254;  145,  p. 
257. 

Flesh,  temptations  of,  L.  195, 
p.  307. 

Food,  temperate  use  of,  L.  135, 
p.  241;  136,  p.  244. 

Forbearance,  L.  135,  p.  242. 
with  respect  to  non-essentials 
in  religion,  G.  i.  5,  p.  353. 

Foreign  Churches,  correspond¬ 
ence  with,  G.  xii.  5,  p.  370. 
ministers.  See  Ministers. 

Foreknowledge  of  God,  C.  ii.  2, 
p.  19;  iii.  2,  p.  21;  v.  1,  p.  28; 
v.  2,  p.  29;  L.  14,  p.  149. 

Foreordination,  of  persons,  C. 
iii.  3,  p.  22;  iii.  7,  p.  25;  D. 
S.  1,  p.  140. 

of  means,  C.  iii.  6,  p.  23;  v.  3, 
p.  30. 

Forgery,  L.  145,  p.  255. 

Forgiveness,  of  injuries,  L.  135, 
p.  242;  194,  p.  306;  S.  105, 
p.  347. 

of  sin.  See  Pardon. 

Form  of  Government ,  p.  351. 
Forms,  for  dissolution  of  Assem¬ 
bly,  G.  xii.  8,  p.  371. 
for  ordination  of  Ruling  Elders 
and  Deacons,  G.  xiii.  4,  p. 
372. 

for  giving  right  hand  of  fellow¬ 
ship,  G.  xiii.  5,  p.  373;  xv. 
14,  p.  383. 

for  licensure,  G.  xiv.  7,  p.  376. 
for  ordination  of  minister,  G. 
xv.  12,  p.  381. 

of  evangelist,  G.  xv.  15, 
p.  384. 

for  installment  of  Pastor,  G. 
xv.  12,  13,  p.  381;  xvi.  6, 
p.  386. 

of  commission  to  General 
Assembly,  G.  xxii.  2,  p.  392. 
of  charges  and  specifications, 
D.  16,  17,  p.  400. 
of  oath  or  affirmation,  D.  62, 
p.  410. 

of  prayer,  confinement  to,  not 
approved,  W.  v.  4,  p.  431. 
for  Haptism,  W.  viii.  2,  3,  p. 
435. 

for  Lord’s  Supper,  W.  ix.  4,  5, 
p.  437. 


INDEX. 


509 


Forms  for  suspension,  W.  xi.  2,  p. 
441. 

for  excommunication,  W.  xi. 
6,  p.  442. 

for  restoration,  W.  xi.  7,  p.  442. 
for  marriage,  W.  xii.  8,  p.  445. 

Fornication,  C.  xxiv.  5,  p.  112; 
L.  139,  p.  246. 

Fraud,  L.  142,  p.  250. 

Free-will,  C.  ix.,  p.  51. 

not  source  of  perseverance,  C. 
xvii.  2,  p.  80. 

Frugality,  L.  141,  p.  249. 

GAMBLING,  L.  142,  p.  252. 

General  Assembly,  G.  xii.  p.  369 
Synod  to  propose  measures  to, 
G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
definition  of,  G.  xii.  1,  p.  369. 
title  of,  G.  xii.  1,  p.  369. 
composition  of,  G.  xii.  2,  p.  370. 
representation  in,  G.  xii.  2, 

p.  370;  D.  110,  p.  420. 
commissioners  to,  G.  xii.  2, 

p.  370;  xii.  7,  p.  371;  xxii., 
p.  392. 

quorum  of,  G.  xii.  3,  p.  370. 
powers  of,  G.  xii.  4-6,  p.  370. 

judicial  commissions  of,  G. 

xii.  4,  p.  370;  D.  125-134, 
pp.  423,  424. 

correspondence  of,  G.  xii.  4, 
5,  p.  370. 

overtures  from,  G.  xii.  6,  p.  371. 
annual  meeting  of,  G.  xii.  7, 
p.  371. 

Moderator  of,  G.  xii.  7,  p.  371; 
xix.  3,  p.  390. 

sermon  before,  G.  xii.  7,  p. 

371;  xix.  3,  p.  390. 
prayer,  opening  and  closing 
sessions  of,  G.  xii.  8,  p.  371. 
dissolution  of,  G.  xii.  8,  p.  371. 
power  of,  over  missions,  G. 
xviii.,  p.  388. 

powers  and  duties  of,  respect¬ 
ing  amendments  to  Consti¬ 
tution,  G.  xxiii.,  p.  393. 
exceptions  may  not  be  taken 
in  trial  before,  D.  26,  p.  403. 
Stated  Clerk  of,  duties,  judicial 
commissions,  D.  130,  131, 

p.  424. 

fast  or  thanksgiving  appointed 
by,  W.  xv.  4,  p.  449. 
administrative  acts,  A.  L.,  p.  457 . 
corporate  rights  of,  A.  L.,  p.  452. 
funds  of,  A.  L.,  p.  457. 
official  records  during  separa¬ 
tion  into  Old  School  and 
New  School,  A.  L.,  p.  458. 

See  also  Commissioners. 

Gentleness,  L.  135,  p.  242. 


Ghost,  Holy.  See  Spirit. 

Gifts,  possession  of,  aggravates 
sin,  L.  151,  p.  261. 

Giving,  duty  of,  L.  141,  p.  249. 
Glory  of  God,  Holy  Scriptures 
manifest,  C.  i.  5,  p.  12;  L. 

4,  p.  142. 

end  of  His  decrees  and  works, 
C.  ii.  1,  p.  17;  ii.  2,  p.  19;  iii. 
7,  p.  25;  iv.  1,  p.  26;  v.  1, 
p.  29;  vi.  1,  p.  34;  xxiii.  1, 
p.  107;  xxxiii.  2,  p.  136;  L. 
12,  p.  147;  13,  p.  148;  18,  p. 
151;  56,  p.  173;  133,  p.  239; 

5.  7,  p.  314;  66,  p.  333. 

is  in  and  of  Himself,  C.  ii.  2, 

p.  18. 

good  works  of  believers  in  order 
to,  C.  xvi.  2,  p.  75;  L.  190, 
p.  300. 

the  chief  end  of  man,  C.  xvi. 
7,  p.  78;  L.  1,  p.  141;  112, 
p.  220;  159,  p.  275;  S.  1, 
p.  311;  46,  47,  p.  327. 
prayer  for,  L.  184,  p.  296; 
190,  p.  300;  S.  101,  p.  345. 
Glory,  the  will  perfectly  free  to 
good  in  the  state  of,  C.  ix. 
5,  p.  54. 

hope  of,  C.  xviii.  1,  p.  83. 
communion  in  with  Christ,  C. 
xxvi.  1,  p.  117;  L.  65,  p.  177; 
82,  p.  190. 

in  this  life,  L.  83,  p.  191. 
after  death,  L.  86,  p.  192. 
at  resurrection,  L.  87,  p.  194; 
S.  38,  p.  325. 

at  judgment,  L.  90,  p.  197; 
S.  38,  p.  325. 

kingdom  of,  S.  102,  p.  345. 
Gluttony,  L.  139,  p.  248. 

God,  C.  ii.,  p.  16;  L.  7-11,  p.  144; 
S.  4-6,  p.  314. 

existence  and  goodness  of, 
shown  by  light  of  nature,  C. 
xxi.  1,  p.  97;  L.  2,  p.  141. 
revelation  of,  C.  i.  1,  p.  9;  L. 

2,  p.  141;  S.  3,  p.  312. 

Author  of  Holy  Scriptures, 
C.  i.  4,  p.  12. 

Word  of,  C.  i.  4,  p.  12;  L.  2-4, 
p.  141;  S.  2,  p.  311. 
being  and  attributes  of,  C. 
ii.  1,  2,  p.  16;  L.  7,  p.  144; 
S.  4,  p.  312. 

one  only,  C.  ii.  1,  p.  16;  L.  8,  p. 

145;  S.  5,  p.  313. 
love  of,  C.  ii.  1,  p.  18;  C.  xxxv. 

2,  p.  139;  D.  S.  1,  p.  140. 
worship  of,  C.  ii.  2,  p.  19;  xxi., 
p.  97;  L.  104,  p.  206;  179, 
p.  292;  S.  46,  p.  327;  W., 
p.  427. 


510 


INDEX. 


God,  three  Persons,  C  ii.  3,  p.  20; 

L.  9,  p.  145;  S.  6,  p.  313. 

God  the  Father,  C.  ii.  3,  p.  20;  iv. 
1,  p.  26;  viii.  3,  p.  46;  viii.  5, 
p.  49;  xi.  3,  p.  60;  xii.  1,  p.  64; 
xvii.  2,  p.  80;  xxi.  2,  p.  98; 
xxviii.  2,  p.  122;  xxxiii.  1, 
p.  135;  L.  9,  p.  145;  10,  p. 
146;  54,  p.  171;  55,  p.  172; 
165,  p.  165;  189,  p.  298;  S. 
6,  p.  313;  94,  p.  342;  100, 
p.  345. 

God  the  Son,  C.  ii.  3,  p.  20.  See 
Son. 

God  the  Holy  Spirit,  C.  ii.  3,  p.  20. 
See  Spirit. 

God,  decrees  of,  C.  iii.,  p.  20;  L.  12- 
14,  p.  147;  S.  7,  8,  p.  314. 
not  author  of  sin,  C.  iii.  1, 
p.  20;  v.  4,  p.  31. 
works  of,  C.  iv.,  p.  26;  v.,  p.  28; 
L.  14-20,  p.  149;  S.  8-12,  p. 
314. 

man’s  enjoyment  of,  C.  iv.  2, 
p.  27;  vii.  1,  p.  38;  xii.  1, 
p.  63;  L.  1,  p.  139;  90,  p.  197; 
S.  1,  p.  311;  38,  p.  325. 
law  of,  written  in  man’s  heart; 
C.  iv.  2,  p.  27. 

permits  sin,  C.  v.  4,  p.  30;  vi. 
1,  p.  34. 

the  law  of,  C.  xix.,  p.  88;  L. 
91-98,  p.  197;  S.  39-41, 
p.  325. 

Lord  of  conscience,  C.  xx.  2, 
p.  94;  G.  i.  1,  p.  352. 
house  and  family  of,  The 
Church,  C.  xxv.  2,  p.  115. 
acknowledgment  of,  L.  104,  p. 

206;  S.  46,  p.  327. 
veneration  of  name  of,  L.  112, 
p.  219;  S.  54,  p.  329. 
tempting  of,  L.  105,  p.  210. 
sins  immediately  against,  aggra¬ 
vated,  L.  151,  p.  262. 

See  also  attributes  sever¬ 
ally,  Decrees,  Trinity. 
Goodness,  of  God,  C.  ii.  1,  p.  18; 

L.  7,  p.  145;  S.  4,  p.  312. 
Good  works,  C.  xvi.,  p.  73. 

pardon  not  merited  by,  C.  xi. 
1,  p.  59;  xvi.  5,  p.  76;  L.  70, 
p.  180;  S.  33,  p.  323. 
fruits  and  evidences  of  faith, 
C.  xi.  2,  p.  60;  xvi.  2,  p.  74; 
L.  73,  p.  182. 

only  such  as  are  commanded  by 
God,  C.  xvi.  1,  p.  73. 
effects  of,  C.  xvi.  2,  p.  74. 
believers  created  unto,  in 
Christ,  C.  xvi.  2,  p.  75. 
ability  for,  from  Spirit,  C.  xvi. 
3,  p.  75;  xvi.  5,  p.  77;  C. 


xxxiv.  2,  p.  138;  L.  192, 
p.  303. 

Good  works  imperfect  in  this  life, 
C.  xvi.  4,  5,  p.  76;  L.  78,  p. 
187;  149,  p.  260;  S.  82,  p.  337. 
acceptance  and  reward  of,  C. 
xvi.  6,  p.  77. 

of  the  unregenerate,  C.  xvi.  7, 
p.  78. 

duty  of,  L.  135,  p.  242. 

Gospel,  Covenant  of  Grace  under, 
C.  vii.  6,  p.  42. 

obligation  to  moral  law 
strengthened  in,  C.  xix.  5, 
p.  89. 

law  not  contrary  to,  C.  xix.  7, 
p.  91. 

worship  not  tied  to  any  place 
under,  C.  xxi.  6,  p.  101. 
two  Sacraments  in,  C.  xxvii. 

4,  p.  121. 

minister  of,  C.  xxviii.  2,  p.  122; 
L.  176,  p.  290. 

disobedience  to,  L.  45,  p. 
166. 

to  be  preached  to  all  nations, 
L.  53,  p.  171. 

declares  God’s  love  for  all,  C. 
xxxv.  2,  p.  139. 

offered  to  all,  C.  xxxv.  1,  3, 
p.  139. 

not  all  hearers  of,  saved,  L. 
61,  p.  175. 

ministry  of,  L.  63,  p.  176. 
Christ  offered  in,  L.  72,  p.  181; 

5.  31,  p.  322;  86,  p.  339. 

See  also  Testament,  New. 

Government,  Church,  C.  xxx., 
p.  129;  xxxi.,  p.  131;  G.  i., 
p.  351;  viii.,  p.  360. 
appointed  by  Christ,  C.  xxiii. 
3,  p.  109;  xxx.  1,  p.  129;  L. 
45,  p.  166;  G.  i.  2,  p.  352. 

State  should  not  interfere  with, 
C.  xxiii.  3,  p.  109;  G.  i.  1, 
p.  352. 

distinct  from  civil,  C.  xxx.  1, 
p.  129;  xxxi.  4,  p.  132;  G. 
viii.  2,  p.  360. 

administered  by  Synods  and 
Councils,  C.  xxxi.,  p.  131; 
G.  viii.  1,  p.  360. 
principles  of,  G.  i.,  p.  351. 
Government  exercised  by  Rul¬ 
ing  Elders,  G.  v.,  p.  357. 
some  form  of,  necessary,  G. 
viii.  1,  p.  360. 

warrant  for  Presbyterian,  G. 
viii.  1,  p.  360. 

differences  of,  G.  viii.  1,  p.  360. 
See  also  Censures,  Disci - 
pHne,  J  udicatories. 

I  Government ,  Form  of,  p.  351. 


INDEX. 


511 


Grace,  acts  and  works  of  God’s 
free,  C.  iii.  5,  p.  23;  vii.  3, 
p.  39;  ix.  4,  p.  53;  x.  2,  p.  56; 
xi.  3,  p.  61;  xv.  3,  p.  71;  L. 
13,  p.  148;  32,  p.  158;  67, 
p.  177;  70,  p.  179;  74,  p.  182; 
75,  p.  183;  194,  p.  306;  S.  20, 
p.  318;  33,  34,  p.  323;  35, 
p.  324. 

withheld,  C.  v.  6,  p.  32. 
covenant  of,  C.  vii.  3-6,  p.  39; 

L.  31-36,  p.  157;  S.  20,  p.  318. 
translation  of  sinner  into  state 
of,  C.  ix.  4,  p.  53. 
growth  in,  C.  xiii.  3,  p.  67;  L. 
75,  p.  183;  155,  p.  270;  167, 
p.  281;  168,  p.  282;  S.  35, 
p.  324;  89,  p.  340;  96,  p.  343. 
of  faith,  C.  xiv.  1,  p.  67;  L.  72, 
p.  181;  S.  86,  p.  338. 
ordinary  means  of,  C.  xiv.  1, 
p.  67;  L.  154,  p.  269;  S.  88, 
p.  339. 

of  repentance,  C.  xv.,  p.  70; 

L.  76,  p.  184;  S.  87,  p.  339. 
in  Sacraments,  C.  xxvii.  3, 
p.  120;  L.  163;  p.  279;  167, 

p.  281. 

advancement  in,  aggravates 
sin,  L.  151,  p.  261. 

Graces,  Saving,  faith  always 
accompanied  with,  C.  xi.  2, 
p.  60;  L.  73,  p.  182. 
wrought  by  the  Spirit,  C.  xiii. 
1,  p.  65;  xiv.  1,  p.  67;  L.  72, 
p.  181;  77,  p.  186. 
seeds  of,  implanted  in  sancti¬ 
fication,  L.  75,  p.  183;  77, 

p.  186. 

Graciousness  of  God,  C.  ii.  1, 
p.  18;  C.  xxxv.  1,  p.  139;  D. 
S.  1,  p.  140;  L.  7,  p.  145. 
Grievance,  matters  of,  between 
co-ordinate  judicatories,  D. 
121,  123,  p.  422. 

Guilt,  of  Adam’s  sin  imputed,  C. 
vi.  3,  p.  35. 

effect  of  every  sin,  C.  vi.  6, 
p.  37. 

freedom  of  believers  from,  C. 
xx.  1,  p.  92. 

of  Adam’s  sin,  L.  25,  p.  154; 
S.  18,  p.  317. 

acknowledgment  of,  L.  194,  p. 
306. 

prayer  for  acquittal  from,  L. 
194,  p.  306. 

See  also  Cur'se,  man  liable 
to. 

HATRED,  toward  God,  L.  105, 
p.  209;  toward  man,  L.  136,  p. 
243. 


Head  of  the  Church.  See  Christ. 
Head  of  the  Family.  See  Family. 
Hearing  the  Word,  does  not 
insure  salvation,  L.  61,  p. 
175. 

required,  L.  108,  p.  213. 
proper  manner  of,  C.  xxxv.  3, 
p.  139;  L.  160,  p.  275. 
Heaven,  C.  xxxii.  1,  p.  133; 
xxxiii.  2,  p.  136;  L.  53,  p. 
171;  86,  p.  193;  90,  p.  196; 
192,  p.  302;  S.  28,  p.  321; 
103,  p.  346. 

kingdom  of,  inheritance  in, 
C.  viii.  5,  p.  49. 

See  also  Glory. 

Hell,  C.  xxxii.  1,  p.  134;  xxxiii. 
2,  p.  136;  L.  29,  p.  156;  86, 
p.  193;  89,  p.  196;  S.  19, 
p.  317. 

Heresy,  accountability  for,  C. 
xx.  4,  p.  96;  G.  i.  3,  4,  p. 
352;  D.  3,  p.  397. 
forbidden,  L.  105,  p.  210. 
discrimination  in  judgment  of, 
G.  i.  5,  p.  353;  D.  42,  p.  406. 
may  call  for  deposition,  D.  42, 
p.  406. 

neglect  of,  by  judicatory,  D. 
77,  p.  413. 

Heretical  denomination,  minis¬ 
ter  joining,  D.  54,  p.  408. 
Heretics,  oath  made  to,  not  to 
be  violated,  C.  xxii.  4,  p.  106. 
marriage  with,  C.  xxiv.  3,  p. 
112. 

History,  Ecclesiastical,  examina¬ 
tion  of  candidate  in,  G.  xiv. 
4,  p.  375. 

Holiness,  of  God,  C.  ii.  1,  p.  17; 
ii.  2,  p.  19;  L.  7,  p.  145;  S. 

4,  p.  312. 

Assemblv  to  promote,  G.  xii. 

5,  p.  370. 

See  Good  Works ,  Sanctifi¬ 
cation. 

Holy  Scriptures.  See  Scriptures. 
Holy  Spirit.  See  Spirit. 

Hope,  through  patience  and  com¬ 
fort  of  Scriptures,  C.  i.  8, 
p.  15. 

of  glory,  C.  xviii.  1,  p.  83. 
Hopes,  false,  C.  xviii.  1,  p.  82. 
Humiliation  of  Christ,  C.  viii.  2, 
p.  45;  viii.  4,  p.  47;  L.  37,  p. 
161;  46-50,  p.  167;  S.  27, 
p.  320. 

public,  W.  xii.  7,  p.  445;  xv.  7, 
p.  450. 

See  also  Fasts. 

Humility,  necessary  to  accept¬ 
able  prayer,  C.  xxi.  3,  p.  99;  L. 
135,  p.  297. 


512 


INDEX, 


Humility  before  God,  required,  L. 
104,  p.  208. 

prayer  for,  L.  192,  p.  303. 
Husband  of  Church,  Christ,  C. 

xxv.  1,  p.  114;  L.  66,  p.  177.  I 
Hypocrisy,  L.  113,  p.  224. 

IDLENESS,  profanation  of  Sab¬ 
bath,  L.  119,  p.  228;  S.  61, 
p.  332. 

sinful,  L.  139,  p.  248;  142,  p.  252. 
Idolatry,  forbidden,  L.  105,  p.  208; 
109,  p.  216;  S.  47,  p.  327;  51, 
p.  329. 

monuments  of,  to  be  removed, 
L.  108,  p.  215. 

prayer  for  prevention  and 
removal  of,  L.  190,  p.  300. 
Ignorance,  prayer  or  prevention 
and  removal  of,  L.  190,  p. 
300.  I 

Ignorant,  not  to  be  admitted  to 
Lord’s  Table,  C.  xxix.  8,  p. 
128;  L.  173,  p.  286;  W.  ix. 
2,  p.  437;  ix.  4,  p.  437. 
Image  of  God,  man  made  after, 
C.  iv.  2,  p.  27;  L.  17,  p.  150; 
S.  10,  p.  315. 

renewed  by  sanctification,  L. 
75,  p.  183;  S.  35,  p.  324. 
Images,  worship  of,  L.  107,  p. 
213;  109,  p.  216;  S.  49,  51,  ! 
p.  328. 

Immorality,  Assembly’s  testi-  j 
mony  against,  G.  xii.  5,  p.  370. 
Immutability  of  God,  C.  ii.  1, 
p.  17;  L.  7,  p.  145;  S.  4,  p.  312. 
Impatience,  L.  105,  p.  212. 
Imperfections  of  believers,  C.  xiii. 

2,  p.  66;  L.  78.  p.  187. 
Imputation,  of  Adam’s  guilt,  C. 
vi.  3,  p.  35;  L.  25,  26,  p.  154; 
S.  18,  p.  317. 

of  Christ’s  righteousness,  C. 
xi.  1,  p.  59;  L.  71,  p.  180; 
77,  p.  186;  S.  33,  p.  323. 
Inability,  C.  ix.  3,  p.  52;  xvi.  3, 
p.  75;  L.  25,  p.  154;  95,  p. 
199;  149,  p.  260;  192,  p.  302; 
195,  p.  307;  S.  82,  p.  337. 
Incarnation  of  Son  of  God,  C. 
viii.  2,  p.  45;  L.  37,  p.  161; 
39,  p.  162;  47,  p.  167;  S.  21, 
22,  p.  318. 

Incest,  L.  139,  p.  246. 

Incestuous  marriages,  C.  xxiv. 

4,  p.  112;  W.  xii.  3,  p.  444. 
Incomprehensibility  of  God,  C. 

ii.  1,  p.  17;  L.  7,  p.  145. 

Index,  p.  489. 

Infants,  how  saved,  C.  x.  3,  p.  57. 
elect,  C.  x.  3,  p.  57;  D.  S.  2, 
p.  140. 


Infants  dying  in  infancy,  D.  S. 
2,  p.  140. 

baptism  of,  C.  xxviii.  4,  p.  123; 
L.  166,  p.  280;  177,  p.  291;  S. 
95,  p.  342;  W.  viii.  2,  p.  435. 
See  also  Baptized  Children, 
Children. 

Inferiors,  duties  of,  L.  127,  p.  232. 
sins  of,  L.  128,  p.  234. 
duties  toward,  L.  129,  p.  235. 
sins  against,  L.  130,  p.  237. 
Infidelity,  of  civil  magistrate, 
C.  xxiii.  4,  p.  110. 
forbidden,  L.  105,  p.  209;  S. 
47,  p.  327. 

Infidels,  oaths  made  to,  not  to 
be  violated,  C.  xxii.  4,  p.  106. 
Infinity  of  God,  C.  ii.  1,  p.  16; 

L.  7,  p.  144;  S.  4,  p.  312. 
Infirmity,  of  Ruling  Elders,  G. 
xiii.  6,  p.  373. 
acts  of,  D.  43,  p.  406. 
Inheritance,  Heavenly,  bequeathed 
by  Christ  the  Testator,  C. 
vii.  4,  p.  40. 

purchased  by  Christ,  C.  viii. 
5  p  49 

Injustice,  L.  130,  p.  238;  142, 
p.  251;  145,  p.  255;  S.  75, 
p.  335. 

Innocent,  protection  and  defence 
of,  L.  135,  p.  242;  144,  p. 
254. 

party  in  divorce  may  marry 
again,  C.  xxiv.  5,  p.  1 12. 
Inspiration  of  Scripture,  C.  i. 

2,  p.  11;  i.  8,  p.  14. 
Installment  of  Deacon,  G.  xiii. 
4,  5,  p.  372. 

Installment  of  Pastor,  G.  xv. 
12,  13,  p.  381;  xvi.  4-7,  p. 
386. 

power  of  Presbytery  in,  G. 
x.  7,  p.  365. 

call  as  petition  for,  G.  xv.  8, 
p.  380. 

definition  of,  G.  xvi.  4,  p.  386. 
by  whom  performed,  G.  xvi. 
4,  p.  386. 

notice  to  congregation  of,  G. 
xvi.  5,  p.  386. 

sermon  at,  G.  xvi.  6,  p.  386. 
form  of,  G.  xvi.  6,  p.  386. 
questions  to  minister  in,  G. 
xvi.  6,  p.  386. 

questions  to  people  in,  G.  xvi. 
6,  p.  386.  (See  G.  xv.  13, 
p.  383.) 

charges  in,  G.  xvi.  6,  p.  386. 
greeting  to  Pastor  after,  G. 
xvi.  7,  p.  387. 

Installment  of  Ruling  Elder,  G 
xiii.  4,  5,  p.  372. 


INDEX . 


513 


Instruction,  duty  of  superiors 
in,  L.  129,  p.  235. 
of  children,  W.  viii.  2,  p.  435; 

x.  1,  p.  440;  xvi.  5,  p.  451. 
of  the  sick,  W.  xiii.  2-9,  p. 
447 . 

Instructions,  by  Assembly,  G. 

.  xii.  4,  p.  370. 

Intemperance,  L.  136,  p.  244; 
139,  p.  248. 

Intercession  of  Christ,  C.  viii. 
4,  p.  48;  viii.  8,  p.  48. 
perseverance  of  saints  depends 
upon,  C.  xvii.  2,  p.  80;  L. 
79,  p.  188. 

how  made,  L.  55,  p.  172. 
divinity  requisite  to  efficacy 
of,  L.  38,  p.  162. 
humanity  of  Christ  requisite 
to,  L.  39,  p.  163. 
belongs  to  His  priestly  office, 
L.  44,  p.  165;  S.  25,  p.  320. 

Interlocutory  meetings,  R.  39, 
p.  486. 

Investigations,  necessary  for  ends 
of  discipline,  D.  7,  p.  398. 
of  slander,  D.  13,  p.  395. 
to  be  speedy,  D.  3i.  p.  404;  46, 
p.  406. 

of  cases  neglected  by  lower 
judicatory,  D.  77,  p.  413. 

Irreverence,  L.  113,  p.  221;  S. 
55,  p.  330. 

JESTS,  profane,  L.  113,  p.  223. 

Jesus,  why  so  called,  L.  41,  p.  164. 

See  also  Christ. 

Jews,  calling  of,  L.  191,  p.  301. 

Joy,  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  L.  83, 
p.  191;  S.  36,  p.  324. 
of  heaven,  L.  90,  p.  196;  S.  38, 
p.  325. 

in  God,  a  duty,  L.  104,  p.  207. 
prayer  for,  L.  194,  p.  306. 

Judgment,  The  last,  C.  xxxiii. 
p.  135;  L.  88-90,  p.  195;  S. 
38,  p.  325. 

Christ  the  Judge  in,  C.  viii. 
1,  p.  44;  viii.  4,  p.  48;  xxxiii. 
1,  p.  135;  L.  51,  p.  169;  56, 
p.  173;  S.  28,  p.  321. 
who  shall  be  judged  at,  C.  viii. 
4,  p.  48;  xxxiii.  1,  p.  135; 
L.  88,  p.  195. 

design  of,  C.  xxxiii.  2,  p.  136. 
the  righteous  in,  C.  xxxiii.  2, 
p.  136;  L.  90,  p.  196;  S.  38, 
p.  325. 

the  wicked  in,  C.  xxxiii.  2, 
p.  136;  L.  89,  p.  195. 
time  of,  concealed,  and  why, 
C.  xxxiii.  3,  p.  137;  L.  88, 
p.  195. 


Judgment,  judicial,  of  Synod, 
when  final,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
in  absence  of  accused,  D.  22, 
p.  401. 

after  plea  of  “guilty,”  D.  23, 
p.  401. 

entered  after  vote  on  each 
specification  and  charge,  D. 
24,  p.  402. 

counsel  may  not  sit  in,  D.  24, 
p.  402;  27,  p.  403. 
entry  of,  on  minutes,  D.  25, 
p.  402;  48,  p.  407;  99,  p. 
417. 

of  Synod,  final,  transmitted  to 
original  judicatory,  D.  30, 
p.  404. 

in  cases  without  process,  D. 
48,  p.  407. 

reversed,  only  on  appeal  or 
complaint,  D.  75,  p.  412. 
in  cases  of  reference,  D.  80, 
82,  p.  413. 

complaint  against,  D.  84,  p.  414. 
appeal  from,  D.  94,  p.  416. 
mistaken  or  unjust,  D.  95,  p. 
416. 

stands  when  appeal  abandoned, 
D.  97,  p.  416. 

read  in  trial  of  appeal,  D.  99, 
p.  417. 

affirmed,  reversed,  or  modified, 
D.  99,  p.  417. 

of  appellate  court  recorded, 
D.  99,  p.  417. 

of  admonition  or  rebuke,  stayed 
by  appeal,  D.  100,  p.  418. 
dissent  from  or  protest  against, 
D.  107,  p.  419. 

of  Judicial  Commissions,  D. 

119,  120,  p.  422. 
prosecuting  committee  may 
not  sit  in,  D.  11,  12,  p.  399; 
24,  p.  402. 

Judgment,  Private,  inalienable 
right  of,  C.  xx.  2,  p.  94;  G.  i. 
1,  p.  352. 

Judgments,  Temporal,  punish¬ 
ment  for  sins  of  believers, 
C.  xvii.  3,  p.  82. 
sins  against,  aggravated,  L. 
151,  p.  264. 

Judicatories ,  Rules  for,  p.  481. 

Judicatories,  the  several  kinds 
of,  G.  viii.  1.  p.  360. 
warrant  for,  G.  viii.  1,  p.  360. 
have  no  civil  jurisdiction,  G. 
viii.  2,  p.  360. 

powers  of,  G.  viii.  2,  p.  360. 
to  support  their  missionaries, 
G.  xviii.,  p.  388. 
moderator  of,  necessary,  G. 
xix.  1,  p.  389. 


33 


514 


INDEX. 


Judicatories,  extraordinary  meet¬ 
ings  of,  G.  xix.  2,  p.  389. 
clerk  of,  G.  xx.,  p.  390. 
expenses  of  Commissioners  to, 
G.  xxii.  3,  p.  393. 
subject  to  discipline,  D.  1, 
p.  397;  121-123,  p.  422. 
discretion  of,  in  discipline, 
D.  2,  p.  397;  42,  p.  406. 
prosecution  initiated  by,  D.  7, 
p.  398;  10-12,  p.  399. 
investigation  of  slander  by, 
D.  13,  p.  399. 

discretion  of,  as  to  trial  of 
charges  together,  D.  17,  p. 
400. 

original  jurisdiction  of,  D.  19, 
p.  400;  108,  p.  419. 
trial  bv,  procedure  in,  D.  20-24, 
p.  401;  61,  p.  409.  # 
objections  to  organization  or 
jurisdiction  of,  D.  24,  p.  402. 
private  session  of,  for  judgment, 
D.  24,  p.  402. 
minutes  of,  D.  25,  p.  402. 
of  last  resort,  no  exceptions 
in,  D.  26,  p.  403. 
no  paid  counsel  in,  D.  27,  p.  403. 
may  sit  with  closed  doors,  D. 

32,  p.  404;  R.  38,  p.  486. 
may  debar  member  under 
charges,  from  Lord’s  Table, 
D.  33,  p.  404. 

from  exercise  of  office,  D.  33, 
p.  404. 

from  voting,  D.  40,  p.  405. 
consent  of,  to  restoration,  D. 
44,  p.  406. 

power  of,  in  cases  without 
process,  D.  48-54,  pp.  407, 
408. 

offence  in  presence  of,  D.  48, 
p.  407. 

may  decide  competency  of 
witnesses,  D.  55,  56,  p.  409. 
records  of,  as  evidence,  D.  65, 
p.  410. 

testimony  before,  as  evidence 
before  other  bodies,  D.  65, 
p.  410. 

may  appoint  commission  to 
take  testimony,  D.  66,  p.  410. 
members  of,  may  be  witnesses, 
D.  67.  p.  411. 

unconstitutional  proceedings 
of,  D.  76,  p.  412. 
neglect  of  duty  by,  D.  77,  p. 
413. 

may  answer  protests,  D.  106, 
p.  418. 

jurisdiction  of,  in  cases  of  dis¬ 
mission,  D.  108-113,  pp.  419, 
420. 


Judicatories,  differences  between, 
D.  137-139,  p.  425. 

Rules  for,  p.  481. 
roll  of,  R.  10,  p.  482. 
minutes  of,  presented  for  cor¬ 
rection  and  approval,  R.  12, 
p.  482. 

interlocutory  meetings  of,  R. 
39,  p.  486. 

judicial  sessions  of,  R.  40,  p. 

486. 

permanent  officers  of,  corre¬ 
sponding  members,  R.  42, 
p.  487. 

closing  exercises  of,  R.  43,  p. 

487. 

See  also  Members,  Records. 
Judicatories,  Higher,  may  insti¬ 
tute  process  in  neglect  of 
lower,  D.  19,  p.  400. 
ways  in  which  a  cause  may  be 
carried  to,  D.  71-102,  p. 
411. 

review  of  records  by,  D.  72- 
77,  p.  412. 

references  to,  D.  78-83,  p.  413. 
complaints  to,  D.  84-93,  pp. 
413-415. 

appeals  to,  D.  94-102,  pp.  416- 
418. 

may  appoint  Judicial  Com¬ 
mission,  D.  118,  p.  421. 
Lower,  neglect  of  process  by,  D. 
19,  p  .400. 

obliged  to  send  up  records, 
D.  72,  p.  412;  93,  p.  415. 
irregular  proceedings  of,  D. 
75,  p.  412. 

unconstitutional  proceedings  of, 
D.  76,  p.  412. 

neglect  of  duty  by,  D.  77,  p. 
413. 

reference  from,  D.  78-83,  p. 
413. 

action  upon  judgment  of.  in 
appeals,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
memorials  to  higher,  in  differ¬ 
ences  between  judicatories, 
I).  121,  123,  p.  422. 
shall  appoint  a  committee  to 
conduct  case  before  higher 
judicatories,  D.  122,  p.  422. 
Judicial  cases,  D.  5,  p.  398. 
See  Cases. 

Judicial  Commissions.  See  Com¬ 
missions. 

Judicial  Committee,  duties  of,  R. 
41,  p.  486. 

may  vote,  R.  41,  p.  486. 
Judicial  decisions.  See  Decisions, 
Judgment. 

Judicial  laws  of  the  Old  Testa¬ 
ment,  C.  xix.  4,  p.  88. 


INDEX. 


615 


Judicial  sessions,  solemn  announce¬ 
ment  in,  R.  40,  p.  486. 
Jurisdiction,  ecclesiastical  dis¬ 
tinct  from  civil,  C.  xxxi.  4, 
p.  132;  G.  viii.  2,  p.  360. 
of  Session,  G.  ix.  6,  p.  362; 

D.  19,  p.  400;  108,  p.  419. 
of  Presbytery,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365; 
1).  19,  p.  400;  108,  p.  419; 
112,  p.  420. 

of  Synod,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368;  D. 

108,  p.  419;  113,  p.  420. 
of  Assembly,  G.  xii.  4,  5,  p.  370; 
D.  108,  p.  419. 

over  church  members,  G.  ix.  6, 
p.  362;  D.  19,  p.  400;  49-51, 
p.  408;  53,  p.  408;  109,  p.  419. 
over  ministers,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365; 
D.  19,  p.  400;  37-46,  p.  405; 
52-54,  p.  408;  110,  111, 

p.  420;  115,  p.  421. 
over  licentiates,  G.  xiv.  7, 
p.  376;  xiv.  10,  p.  378;  D. 
Ill,  p.  420;  115,  p.  421. 
over  communicants,  D.  19, 
p.  400. 

over  children  of  Church,  D. 

6,  p.  398;  W.  x.  1,  p.  440. 
original,  D.  19,  p.  400;  108, 
p.  419. 

objections  to,  D.  23,  p.  401. 
in  cases  of  dismission,  D.  xi., 
p.  419. 

over  communicants  in  trans., 
D.  109,  p.  419. 

over  ministers  in  trans.,  D. 
110,  p.  420. 

over  members  of  extinct  church, 
D.  112,  p.  420. 

over  members  of  extinct 
Presbytery,  D.  113,  p.  420. 
Justice,  to  be  maintained  by  civil 
magistrate,  C.  xxiii.  2,  p.  108. 
public,  capital  punishment  in, 
L.  136,  p.  243. 

duty  of,  L.  141,  p.  248;  144, 
p.  253;  145,  p.  255. 

Justice  of  God,  C.  ii.  1,  p.  18; 
L.  7,  p.  145;  S.  4,  p.  312. 
fully  satisfied  by  Christ,  C.  viii. 
5,  p.  49;  xi.  3,  p.  60;  L.  38, 
p.  162;  70,  p.  180:  77,  p.  186; 
S.  33,  p.  323. 

Justification,  C.  xi.,  p.  59;  Ij.  70, 
71,  p.  179;  77,  p.  186;  S. 
33,  p.  323. 

subjects  of,  C.  iii.  6,  p.  24. 
viii.  1,  p.  44;  xi.  1,  p.  59;  xi; 
4,  p.  61. 

for  Christ’s  sake  alone,  C.  xi. 
1,  p.  59;  xv.  3,  p.  71;  xvi.  5, 
p.  76;  L.  70,  71,  p.  180;  S. 
33,  p.  323. 


Justification,  faith  the  instrument 
of,  C.  xi.  2,  p.  60;  L.  73,  p. 
182. 

inseparable  from  sanctifica¬ 
tion,  C.  xi.  2,  p.  60;  L.  77, 

p.  186. 

of  free  grace,  C.  xi.  3,  p.  61; 
L.  70,  71,  p.  179;  S.  33,  p. 
323. 

time  of,  C.  xi.  4,  5,  p.  62. 

Holy  Spirit,  agent  in,  C.  xi. 

4,  p.  62;  L.  72,  p.  181. 
state  of,  cannot  be  fallen  from, 
C.  xi.  5,  p.  62;  L.  77,  p.  186. 
under  Old  Testament,  C.  xi.  6, 

p.  62. 

subjects  of,  are  adopted,  C. 

xii.  1,  p.  63;  L.  74,  p.  182. 
difference  of,  from  sanctifica¬ 
tion,  L.  77,  p.  186. 

Justifying  faith,  L.  72,  p.  181. 
See  Faith. 

KEYS,  Power  of  the,  C.  xxx.  2, 
p.  130. 

to  whom  committed,  C.  xxx.  2, 
p.  130. 

magistrates  may  not  assume, 
C.  xxiii.  3,  p.  108. 

Killing,  in  public  justice,  L.  136, 
p.  243. 

in  lawful  war,  L.  136,  p.  243. 
in  necessary  defence,  L.  136, 
p.  243. 

Kindness,  L.  135,  p.  242. 

King,  Christ’s  office  of,  C.  xxx. 

1,  p.  129;  L.  45,  p.  165;  S. 
26,  p.  320. 

Kingdom,  of  Heaven,  C.  viii.  5, 
p.  49. 

of  Christ,  the  Church,  C.  xxv. 

2,  p.  114;  G.  ii.  1,  p.  354; 
W.  v.  2,  p.  430. 

of  God,  L.  53,  p.  170;  191,  p. 

300;  S.  102,  p.  345. 
of  Satan,  L.  191,  p.  301;  S.  102, 
p.  345. 

of  Christ’s  power,  L.  191,  p.  300. 
of  grace,  S.  102,  p.  345. 
of  glory,  S.  102,  p.  345. 
Ivnowledge  of  God,  infinite,  C. 

ii.  2,  p.  19;  L.  7,  p.  145. 
Ivnowledge  concerning  God,  de¬ 
rivable  from  light  of  nature, 
C.  i.  1,  p.  9;  xxi.  1,  p.  97; 
L.  2,  p.  141. 

sufficient  only  from  Scripture, 
C.  i.  1,  p.  9;  xxi.  1,  p.  97; 
L.  2,  p.  141. 

saving,  C.  i.  1,  p.  9;  i.  6,  p.  13; 
i.  7,  p.  14;  L.  104,  p.  206; 
190,  p.  299;  192,  p.  303;  S. 
46,  p.  327;  103,  p.  346. 


516 


INDEX. 


LABOR,  temperance  in,  L.  135,  p.  [ 
241;  136,  p.  244. 
diligence  in,  L.  138,  p.  246. 
Landmarks,  removing,  L.  142, 
p.  251. 

Languages,  Original,  C.  i.  8,  p.  14. 
Languages,  trial  of  candidates 
in,  G.  xiv.  4,  p.  375. 

Larger  Catechism ,  p.  141. 
Lasciviousness,  L.  139,  p.  248. 
Latin,  trial  of  candidates  in,  G. 
xiv.  4,  p.  375. 

Law  of  God,  C.  xix.,  p.  86;  L. 
91-98,  p.  197;  S.  39-41,  p. 
325. 

originally  written  in  man’s 
heart,  C.  iv.  2,  p.  27;  L.  17, 
p.  150. 

curse  of,  C.  vi.  6,  p.  37;  xix.  1, 
p.  87;  xix.  6,  p.  90;  L.  27, 
p.  155;  96,  p.  200. 

Christ  made  under  and  ful¬ 
filled,  C.  viii.  4,  p.  47;  S.  27, 
p.  320. 

Law,  Ceremonial,  C.  vii.  5,  p.  40; 
xix.  3,  p.  87. 

abrogated,  C.  xix.  3,  p.  88. 

Law,  Judicial,  of  Old  Testament, 
how  far  obligatory,  C.  xix. 

4,  p.  88. 

Law,  Moral,  C.  vi.  6,  p.  37;  vii. 
2,  p.  38;  xix.  1,  2,  p.  86;  xix. 
5-7,  p.  88;  L.  93-98,  p.  198; 

5,  40,  41,  p.  326. 

given  to  Adam  with  power  to 
obey,  C.  iv.  2,  p.  27;  xix.  1, 
p.  86;  L.  92,  p.  197;  S.  40, 
p.  326. 

wherein  comprehended,  C.  xix. 
2,  p.  87;  L.  98,  p.  201;  S.  41, 
p.  326. 

continues  to  be  binding,  C. 

xix.  2,  p.  87;  xix.  5,  p.  88. 
relation  of  believers  to,  C.  xix. 

6,  7,  p.  89. 

use  of,  under  gospel,  C.  xix.  6, 

7,  p.  89;  L.  93-98,  p.  198; 
S.  41,  p.  326. 

sins  against  express  letter  of, 
aggravated,  L.  151,  p.  264. 
Laws  of  Church,  given  by  Christ, 
L.  45,  p.  166. 

See  Censures,  Government. 
Laws  of  State,  to  be  obeyed,  C. 
xxiii.  4,  p.  110;  L.  124,  p.  231; 
127,  p.  233. 

Lawsuits,  L.  141,  p.  250;  142, 
p.  251. 

Lay  on  the  table,  Motion  to, 
undebatable,  R.  18,  21,  p. 
483. 

subsidiary,  R.  19,  p.  483. 
precedence  of,  R.  19,  p.  483. 


Lay  on  the  table  for  the  present, 
R.  21,  p.  483. 

unconditionally,  R.  21,  p.  483 
Laying  on  of  hands,  G.  xv.  14, 
p.  383. 

Leave  of  absence,  G.  xix.  2,  p. 

382;  R.  37,  p.  486. 

Lecture,  in  trial  of  candidate, 
G.  xiv.  4,  p.  375. 

Legacies,  Rule  for  use,  A.  L., 
p.  478. 

Lending,  duty  of,  L.  141,  p.  249. 
Liberty,  Christian,  C.  xx.,  p.  92. 
definition  of,  C.  xx.  1,  p.  92. 
of  conscience,  C.  xx.  2,  p.  94; 

G.  i.  1,  p.  352. 
end  of,  C.  xx.  3,  p.  95. 
abuse  of,  C.  xx.  3,  4,  p.  95. 
of  worship,  C.  xxiii.  3,  p.  109. 
License,  form  of,  G.  xiv.  8,  p. 
377. 

recall  of,  G.  xiv.  11,  p.  378. 
of  local  evangelist,  C.  R.  1,  p. 
453. 

Licenses.  See  Licentiates. 
Licensure,  G.  xiv.  7,  8,  p.  376. 
report  of,  to  Synod,  G.  x.  8,  p. 
366. 

trials  for,  G.  xiv.  3,  4,  p.  375; 

C.  R.  2,  p.  453. 
record  of,  G.  xiv.  8,  p.  377. 
length  of  term  of,  A.  L.,  p.  474. 
Licentiates,  reported  to  Synod, 
G.  x.  8,  p.  366. 

warrant  for  trials  of,  G.  xiv., 
p.  374. 

trials  of,  G.  xiv.  3,  4,  p.  375; 
xiv.  9,  p.  377. 

mode  of  licensing,  G.  xiv.  7,  8, 
p.  376. 

vows  of,  G.  xiv.  7,  p.  376. 
jurisdiction  over,  G.  xiv.  7, 
p.  376;  xiv.  10,  p.  378;  xviii., 
p.  388;  D.  Ill,  p.  420;  115, 
p.  421. 

are  subject  to  Sessions,  D.  19, 
p.  400. 

certificate  of,  G.  xiv.  8,  p.  377. 
removal  of,  to  another  Presby¬ 
tery,  G.  xiv.  10,  p.  378. 
credentials  or  testimonials  of, 
G.  xiv.  10,  p.  378;  xviii.,  p. 
388 

call  to,  G.  xv.  1-9,  pp.  378-380. 
of  another  Presbytery,  G.  xv. 
10,  p.  381. 

as  missionaries,  G.  xviii.,  p.  388. 
certificate  of  dismission  of 
specific,  D.  Ill,  p.  420. 
how  long  valid,  D.  115, 
p.  421. 

Licentiates,  Foreign,  reception 
of,  A.  L.,  p.  465. 


INDEX. 


517 


Licentiates,  from  denominations 
in  the  U.  S.  A.,  A.  L.,  p.  470. 
time  limit  of  licenses,  A.  L., 
p.  474. 

Life,  long,  promise  of,  L.  123, 
p.  231;  133,  p.  239;  S.  63, 
p.  332;  66,  p.  333. 
preservation  of,  135,  p.  240; 
136,  p.  243;  S.  68,  69,  p.  334. 
Light  of  nature,  what  shown  by, 

C.  i.  1,  p.  9;  xxi.  1,  p.  97; 
L.  2,  p.  141. 

insufficiency  of,  C.  i.  1,  p.  9; 
x.  4,  p.  58;  L.  2,  p.  141;  60, 
p.  174. 

certain  matters  to  be  ordered 
by,  C.  i.  6,  p.  13. 
practices  contrary  to,  censur¬ 
able,  C.  xx.  4,  p.  90. 
for  setting  apart  portion  of 
time  for  worship,  C.  xxi.  7, 

p.  102. 

less,  for  fourth  than  other  com¬ 
mandments,  L.  121,  p.  229. 
sins  against,  aggravated,  L. 
151,  p.  261. 

Limitations  of  time,  D.  xii.,  p.  420. 
in  call  of  special  meeting  of 
Presbytery,  G.  x.  9,  p.  367. 
in  term  of  Ruling  Elders  or 
Deacons,  G.  xiii.  8,  p.  374. 
in  theological  studies  of  can¬ 
didates,  G.  xiv.  6,  p.  376. 
in  citation  in  calls,  G.  xvi.  2, 
p.  384. 

in  election  of  Commissioners  to 
Assembly,  G.  xxii.  1,  p.  392. 
in  first  citation,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
in  subsequent  citations,  D.  22, 
p.  401. 

in  deposition  after  suspension 
from  office,  D.  41,  p.  405. 
in  restoration  of  deposed  min¬ 
ister,  D.  44,  p.  406. 
in  judgment  without  process, 

D.  48,  p.  407. 

in  suspension  of  absentees,  D. 
50,  p.  407. 

in  suspension  for  neglect  of 
ordinances,  D.  51,  p.  407. 
in  demission  of  ministry,  D. 
52,  p.  408. 

in  notice  of  complaint,  D.  85, 
p.  414. 

in  lodgment  of  complaint,  D. 
87,  p.  415. 

in  notice  of  appeal,  D.  96,  p.  416. 
in  lodgment  of  appeal,  D.  97, 
p.  416. 

in  return  of  certificate,  D.  109, 
110,  p.  419. 

in  validity  of  certificate,  D.  114, 
115,  p.  420. 


Limitations  of  time  in  qualified 
certificate,  D.  116,  p.  421. 
in  prosecution,  D.  117,  p.  421. 
in  sessions  of  judicial  com¬ 
missions,  D.  120,  p.  422. 
in  lodgment  of  notice  of 
memorial  in  differences  be¬ 
tween  judicatories,  D.  136, 
p.  425. 

in  excommunication  after  sus¬ 
pension  on  trial,  W.  xi.  5, 
p.  442. 

in  license  of  local  evangelist, 
C.  R.  1,  p.  453. 

in  ordination  of  local  evangelist, 
C.  R.  1,  p.  453. 

Local  evangelists,  C.  R.  1,  p.  453. 
Long-suffering,  of  God,  C.  ii.  1, 

p.  18. 

duty  of,  L.  135,  p.  242. 

Lord’s  Day.  See  Sabbath. 

Lord’s  Prayer,  p.  349.  See 
Prayer. 

Lord’s  Supper,  C.  xxix.,  p.  125; 
L.  168-177,  p.  282;  S.  96, 
97,  p.  343;  W.  ix.,  p.  434. 
institution,  nature,  and  ends 
of,  C.  xxix.  1,  p.  125;  L.  168, 
p.  282;  S.  96,  p.  343. 
perpetuity  of,  C.  xxix.  1,  p. 

125;  L.  176,  p.  290. 
not  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  C.  xxix. 
2,  p.  125. 

dispensed  by  ministers  only, 
and  how,  C.  xxix.  3,  4,  p. 
126;  L.  169,  p.  283. 
private  administration  of,  C. 

xxix.  3,  4,  p.  126. 
elements  of,  not  to  be  adored, 
C.  xxix.  4,  p.  127. 
denial  of  cup  in,  C.  xxix.  4, 
p.  127. 

relation  of  elements  of,  to 
Christ,  C.  xxix.  5,  p.  127. 
substance  of  elements  of,  not 
changed,  C.  xxix.  5,  6,  p.  127. 
how  Christ  is  present  in,  C. 
xxix.  7,  p.  128;  L.  170,  p. 
283. 

benefits  received  in,  C.  xxix. 

7,  p.  128;  L.  168,  p.  282; 
170,  p.  283;  S.  96,  p.  343. 

unworthy  approach  to,  C.  xxix. 

8,  p.  128;  S.  97,  p.  344. 
who  may  not  be  admitted  to, 

C.  xxix.  8,  p.  128;  L.  173, 

p.  286. 

preparation  for,  L.  171,  p.  284; 

S.  97,  p.  343;  W.  ix.  3,  p.  437. 
cases  of  doubting  that  may  not 
exclude  from,  L.  172,  p.  285. 
duties  required  in  partaking 
of,  L.  174,  p.  287. 


518 


INDEX. 


Lord’s  Supper,  after  partaking  of, 
L.  175,  p.  288. 

comparison  of,  with  Baptism, 
L.  176,  177,  p.  290. 

Session  can  exclude  from,  G. 
ix.  6,  p.  362. 

administration  of,  W.  ix.,  p.  440. 
liow  often  celebrated,  W.  ix. 

1,  p.  437. 

who  to  be  excluded  from,  W. 
ix.  2,  p.  437. 

notice  of,  to  be  given,  W.  ix. 
3,  p.  437. 

preceded  by  sermon,  W.  ix.  4, 
p.  437. 

form  of  administration  of,  W. 
ix.  4,  5,  p.  437. 

fast  before,  W.  ix.  6,  p.  440. 
admission  to,  W.  x.,  p.  440. 
Love,  faith  worketli  by,  C.  xi. 

2,  p.  60. 

necessary  to  acceptable  prayer, 
C.  xxi.  3,  p.  99;  L.  185,  p.  297. 
to  Christ,  C.  xviii.  1,  p.  83; 
xviii.  4,  p.  86. 

to  God,  C.  xviii.  3,  p.  85;  xx. 
1,  p.  93;  xxi.  1,  p.  97;  L.  102, 
p.  206;  104,  p.  207;  159,  p. 
274;  171,  p.  284;  S.  42,  p.  326. 
of  the  brethren,  C.  xviii.  4, 
p.  86;  xxvi.  1,  p.  117;  L.  171, 
p.  284;  174,  p.  288. 
to  man,  L.  122,  p.  231;  135, 
p.  242;  159,  p.  274;  171,  p. 
284;  S.  42,  p.  326. 
conjugal,  L.  138,  p.  246. 
Word  to  be  preached  with,  L. 
159,  p.  274. 

Word  of  God  to  be  received 
with,  L.  160,  p.  276;  S.  90, 
p.  340. 

necessary  to  right  use  of  Lord’s 
Supper,  L.  171,  p.  284;  S. 
97,  p.  343. 

of  Christ,  L.  174,  p.  288. 

Love  of  God,  C.  ii.  1,  p.  18;  ii.  5, 
p.  23;  xvii.  2,  p.  80;  L.  30, 
p.  157;  67,  p.  177;  79,  p.  188; 
83,  p.  191;  85,  p.  192;  S.  36, 
p.  324;  xxxv.,  p.  139. 

See  also  Goodness ,  Mercy. 
Lusts,  unnatural,  L.  139,  p.  246. 
Lying,  L.  145,  p.  256;  S.  78,  p.  336. 


MAGISTRATE,  Civil,  C.  xxiii.  p. 
107. 

ordained  of  God,  C.  xx.  4,  p.  96; 
xxiii.  1,  p.  107. 

subject  to  discipline  of  Church, 
('.  xx.  4,  p.  96. 

obedience  of  Christians  to,  C. 
xx.  4,  p.  96;  xxiii.  4,  p.  110. 


Magistrate,  Civil,  Christian  may 
be,  C.  xxiii.  2,  p.  108. 
may  wage  war,  C.  xxiii.  2,  p. 
108. 

may  not  assume  ecclesiastical 
powers,  C.  xxiii.  3,  p.  108. 
duties  of,  to  Church  and  people, 
C.  xxiii.  3,  p.  109;  L.  129, 
p.  235. 

duties  of  people  to,  C.  xxiii. 

4,  p.  109;  L.  127,  p.  232. 
prayer  for,  C.  xxiii.  4,  p.  109; 

L.  183,  p.  295;  W.  v.  2,  p. 
430. 

Pope  has  no  power  over,  C. 
xxiii.  4,  p.  110. 

fast  or  thanksgiving  appointed 
by,  W.  xv.  4,  p.  449. 

Majesty  of  God,  apprehension 
of,  in  praver,  L.  185,  p. 
296. 

Majority,  in  election  of  Pastor, 
G.  xv.  5,  p.  450. 

Malice,  aggravation  of  sin,  L. 
151,  p.  266. 

See  also  Hatred. 

Man,  how  created,  C.  iv.  2,  p.  27; 
L.  17,  p.  150;  S.  10,  p.  315. 
original  state  of,  C.  iv.  2,  p.  27; 
ix.  2,  p.  52. 

fall  of,  and  its  effects,  C.  vi. 
1,  2,  p.  34;  vi.  6,  p.  37;  L.  21, 
p.  153;  27-29,  p.  155;  S. 
13-19,  p.  315. 

God’s  covenant  with,  C.  vu.  2, 
p.  38;  L.  20,  p.  152;  S.  12, 
p.  315. 

state  of,  under  Covenant  of 
Grace,  C.  vii.  3-6,  p.  39;  L. 
29,  30,  p.  156. 

ability  of,  to  good,  lost,  C. 
ix.  3,  p.  52. 

unable  to  convert  self,  C.  ix. 
3,  p.  52. 

natural,  dead  in  sin,  C.  ix.  3, 
p.  52;  x.  2,  p.  56. 
chief  end  of,  L.  1,  p.  141;  S. 
1,  p.  311. 

Manners,  reformation  of,  G.  xii. 

5,  p.  370. 

Man-stealing,  L.  142,  p.  250. 
Marriage,  C.  xxiv.,  p.  Ill;  W.  xii. 
p.  444. 

end  of,  C.  xxiv.  2,  p.  Ill;  L. 

20,  p.  152;  W.  xii.  8,  p.  445. 
for  whom  lawful,  C.  xxiv.  3, 
p.  Ill;  W.  xii.  3,  4,  p.  414. 
with  whom  it  should  not  be 
formed,  C.  xxiv.  3,  p.  112. 
incestuous,  C.  xxiv.  4,  p.  112; 

W.  xii.  3,  p.  444. 
warrant  for  dissolution  of,  C. 
xxiv.  5,  6,  p.  112. 


INDEX. 


519 


Marriage  not  a  Sacrament,  W.  xii. 
1  p  444* 

nature  of,  W.  xii.  1,  6,  p.  444. 
laws  to  regulate,  W.  xii.  1,  p. 
444. 

of  Christians,  W.  xii.  2,  p.  444. 
by  a  minister,  W.  xii.  2,  p.  444. 
parties  to,  W.  xii.  3,  4,  p.  444. 
consent  of  parents  to,  W.  xii. 
4,  p.  444. 

of  minors,  W.  xii.'  4,  p.  444. 
duty  of  parents  concerning, 
W.  xii.  5,  p.  444. 
public  nature  of,  W.  xii.  6, 
p.  444. 

publication  of  intention  of,  W. 
xii.  6,  p.  444. 

ministers  to  be  careful  in,  W. 
xii.  6,  p.  444. 

obedience  to  civil  law  in,  W. 
xii.  6,  p.  444. 

certification  to  ministers  before, 
W.  xii.  6,  p.  444. 
objections  to,  W.  xii.  6,  8,  p. 
444. 

witnesses  to,  W.  xii.  7,  p.  444. 
time  of,  W.  xii.  7,  p.  444. 
not  on  a  fast-day,  W.  xii.  7, 
p.  444. 

certificate  of,  by  minister,  W. 
xii.  7,  p.  444. 

questions  to  parties  in,  W. 
xii.  8,  p.  445. 

duties  of  parties  in,  W.  xii.  8, 
p.  445. 

instruction  to  parties  in,  W. 
xii.  8,  p.  445. 

prayers  at,  W.  xii.  8,  p.  445. 
institution  of  forms  in,  W.  xii. 
8,  p.  445. 

vows  of  parties  in,  W.  xii.  8, 
p.  445. 

register  of,  W.  xii.  8,  p.  445. 
Mass,  abomination  of  the,  C.  xxix. 

2,  p.  126. 

Means  of  grace,  under  the  law, 
C.  vii.  5,  p.  41;  L.  34,  p.  159. 
under  the  gospel,  C.  vii.  6,  p. 
42;  xiv.  1,  p.  67'  L.  35,  p. 
160;  154,  p.  269;  S.  88,  p.  339. 
how  made  effectual,  C.  xxv. 

3,  p.  115;  L.  155,  p.  269;  161, 
p.  276;  S.  89,  p.  340. 

sins  against,  aggravated,  L. 
151,  p.  264. 

Mediation,  benefits  of,  L.  57,  p. 
173. 

Mediator,  The,  C.  viii . ,  p.  43;  L. 
36,  p.  161;  S.  21,  p.  318. 
See  Christ. 

Meditation,  L.  104,  p.  207;  W.  i. 
6,  p.  428. 

Meekness,  L.  135,  p.  242. 


Meetings,  Congregational,  for  elec¬ 
tion  of  pastor,  G.  xv.  1-5, 
p.  378. 

called  by  Session,  G.  xv.  1,  p. 
378. 

moderated  by  minister,  G.  xv. 
2,  4,  p.  378. 

notice  of,  G.  xv.  3,  p.  378. 
voters  in,  G.  xv.  4,  p.  379;  D. 
109,  p.  419. 

proceedings  of,  D.  72,  p.  411; 
A.  L.,  p.  475. 

Meetings  of  judicatories,  extra¬ 
ordinary  or  special,  G.  xix. 
2,  p.  389. 

private,  D.  32,  p.  404;  R.  38, 
p.  486. 

opened  with  prayer,  R.  1,  p. 
481. 

adjourned  by  less  than  quo¬ 
rum,  R.  3,  p.  481. 
minutes  presented  at,  R.  12, 
p.  482. 

interlocutory,  R.  39,  p.  486. 
for  judicial  business,  R.  40, 
p.  486. 

closed  with  prayer,  R.  43,  p.  487. 

See  also  General  Assembly , 
Presbytery ,  Session, 

Synod. 

Members,  Church.  See  Church 
Members ,  Communicants. 

Members  of  judicatory,  not  vot¬ 
ing,  R.  25,  p.  484. 
silent,  R.  25,  p.  484. 
personal  reflections  by,  R.  28, 
p.  485. 

to  be  seated,  R.  30,  p.  485. 
order  of,  in  speaking,  R.  29,  30, 
p.  485. 

to  address  the  Moderator,  R. 
31,  p.  485. 

conduct  of,  R.  31,  32,  p.  485. 
deviating  from  subject,  R.  34, 
p.  486. 

aggrieved  at  decisions,  R.  34, 
p.  486. 

disorderly,  R.  35,  p.  486. 
retiring  from  judicatory,  R,  37, 
p.  486. 

Memorials,  to  be  received  by 
clerk,  R.  11,  p.  482. 
ingrievances  against  co-ordinate 
judicatories,  D.  136,  p.  425. 
notice  of,  time-limit  of,  D.  136, 
p.  425. 

lodgment  of,  D.  87,  p.  415; 
136,  p.  425. 

sustained,  effect  of,  D.  138,  p. 
425. 

Men,  prayer  for  all,  C.  xxi.  4,  p. 
99;  L.  183,  p.  295;  VV.  v.  2,  p. 
430, 


520 


INDEX. 


Mercy,  works  of,  on  Sabbath,  ! 
C.  xxi.  8,  p.  104;  L.  117,  p. 
227;  S.  60,  p.  332;  W.  i.  6, 
p.  428. 

sins  against,  aggravated,  L.  I 
151,  p.  264. 

Mercy  of  God,  C.  ii.  1,  p.  18;  xii. 
1,  p.  64;  xv.  2,  p.  70;  xv.  6, 
p.  72;  xxii.  6,  p.  106;  L.  7,  ; 
p.  145;  30,  p.  157;  76,  p.  185; 
178,  p.  292;  S.  87,  p.  339; 
W.  v.  2,  p.  430;  ix.  5,  p.  434; 
xiii.  6,  p.  447;  xiii.  8,  p.  448. 

Merit,  none  in  us,  C.  xvi.  5,  p.  76; 
L.  193,  p.  304. 

See  also  Christ,  Satisfac¬ 
tion. 

Mileage  system,  A.  L.,  p.  460. 

Ministers,  to  preach  doctrines  of 
faith  and  repentance,  C.  xv. 
1,  p.  70. 

freedom  of,  from  civil  magis¬ 
trate,  C.  xxiii.  3,  p.  109. 
given  to  visible  Church  by 
Christ,  C.  xxv.  3,  p.  115;  G. 
i.  3,  p.  352. 

none  other  than,  to  preach, 
C.  xxvii.  4,  p.  121;  L.  158, 
p.  273. 

none  other  than,  to  adminis¬ 
ter  Sacraments,  C.  xxvii.  4, 
p.  121;  xxviii.  2,  p.  122; 
xxix.  3,  p.  126;  L.  169,  p. 
283. 

ordination  vows  of,  D.  S.,  p. 
140. 

called  and  anointed  by  the 
Holy  Spirit,  C.  xxiv.  4,  p.  139. 
maintenance  of,  L.  108,  p.  214. 
call  of,  by  Christ,  L.  158,  p.  273. 
how  the  Word  is  to  be  preached 
by,  L.  159,  p.  273. 
prayer  for,  L.  183,  p.  295. 
office  of,  first  in  Church,  G.  iv., 
p.  356. 

scriptural  names  of,  G.  iv., 
p.  356. 

duties  of,  G.  iv.,  p.  356. 
are  Elders  or  Presbyters,  G. 
iv.,  p.  356. 

powers  of  Presbytery  over,  G. 
x.  7,  p.  365. 

reception  or  dismission  of, 
reported  to  Synod,  G.  x.  8, 
p.  366. 

to  receive  calls  from  Presby¬ 
tery,  G.  xv.  9,  p.  380. 
ordination  of,  G.  xv.  12-14, 
p.  381. 

citation  of,  in  calls,  G.  xvi.  2, 
p.  384. 

settled,  translation  of,  G.  xvi. 
1-3,  p.  384. 


Ministers,  expenses  of,  as  com¬ 
missioners,  G.  xxii.  3,  p.  393. 
jurisdiction  over,  D.  19,  p.  400; 
108,  p.  419. 

general  rules  for  trial  of,  D. 

37-46,  pp.  405,  406. 
charges  against,  to  be  well 
weighed,  D.  37,  p.  405. 
offences  of,  outside  bounds  of 
home  Presbytery,  D.  38,  p. 
405. 

counsel  for,  D.  39,  p.  405. 
second  citation  of,  D.  39,  p. 
405. 

third  citation  of,  D.  39,  p.  405. 
contumacy  of,  D.  39,  p.  405. 
suspension  of,  from  commu¬ 
nion,  D.  39,  41,  p.  405. 
from  office,  D.  39,  42,  p.  405 
censures  to  be  inflicted  on, 
D.  41,  p.  405. 

deposition  of  suspended,  D. 
41,  p.  405. 

complaints  against,  for  slight 
offences,  D.  43,  p.  406. 
restoration  of  deposed,  D.  44, 
p.  406. 

deposition  of,  D.  45,  p.  406. 
suspension  of,  from  office,  D. 
45,  p.  106. 

letter  for  deposed,  D.  45,  p.  406. 
accused,  may  be  debarred  from 
exercise  of  office,  D.  46,  p.  406. 
demission  of  office  by,  D.  52, 
p.  408. 

abandoning  ministry,  D.  54, 
p.  408. 

becoming  independent,  D.  54, 
p.  408. 

joining  other  denominations 
without  dismission,  D.  54, 
p.  408. 

joining  heretical  denominations, 
D.  54,  p.  408. 

in  trans.,  jurisdiction  over,  D. 
110,  p.  420. 

status  of,  D.  110,  p.  420. 
returning  certificate  of  dis¬ 
mission  of,  D.  110,  p.  420. 
certificate  of  dismission  of, 
specific,  D.  Ill,  p.  420. 
how  long  valid,  D.  115,  p.  421. 
reception  of,  to  be  reported, 
D.  115,  p.  421. 

reading  or  Scriptures  by,  W. 
iii.  1,  p.  429. 

discretion  in,  W.  iii.  3,  p.  429. 
expounding  of  Scriptures  by, 
W.  iii.  3,  p.  429. 
to  control  music,  W.  iv.  4,  p. 
430. 

duty  and  discretion  of,  in 
public  prayer,  W.  v.  4,  p.  431. 


INDEX. 


521 


Ministers,  preparation  of,  for  pub¬ 
lic  prayer,  W.  v.  4,  p.  431. 
to  cultivate  beneficence  in  con¬ 
gregation,  W.  vi.  5,  p.  433. 
duty  of,  in  preaching,  W.  vii. 
1-4,  p.  433. 

duty  of,  toward  suspended 
communicants,  W.  xi.  3,  p. 
442. 

duty  of,  in  excommunications, 
W.  xi.  6,  p.  442. 
to  solemnize  marriages,  W.  xii. 
2,  p.  444. 

care  of,  in  marriages,  W.  xii. 

6,  p.  444 

duty  of,  to  the  sick,  W.  xiii., 
p.  447. 

duty  of,  in  funerals,  W.  xiv. 
2,  p.  449. 

duty  of,  on  fast-days,  W.  xv. 

7,  p.  450. 

duty  of,  on  thanks-giving  days, 
W.  xv.  8,  p.  450. 

See  also  Ordination ,  Pas¬ 
tors. 

Ministers,  Foreign,  Act  regulating 
reception  of,  A.  L.,  p.  465. 
from  denominations  in  the  U. 
S.  A.,  admission  of,  A.  L., 
p.  470. 

probation  of,  in  certain  cases, 
A.  L.,  p.  471. 

Ministry  of  the  Word,  relation 
of,  to  saving  faith,  C.  xiv.  1, 
p.  67. 

given  to  the  visible  Church 
catholic,  C.  xxv.  3,  p.  115. 
maintenance  of,  L.  108,  p.  214. 
call  to,  L.  158,  p.  273. 
suspension  from,  D.  41,  p.  405. 
deposition  from,  D.  41,  p.  405. 
restoration  to,  D.  44,  p.  406. 
demission  of,  D.  52,  p.  408. 
Minority,  in  election  of  Pastor, 
G.  xv.  5,  p.  379. 

Minors,  marriage  of,  W.  xii.  4, 
p.  444. 

Minutes,  in  judicial  cases,  D.  25, 
p.  402. 

findings  of  judicial  commission 
included  in,  D.  124,  p.  422. 
when  presented,  R.  12,  p.  482. 
may  be  read,  R.  12,  p.  482. 
See  also  Records. 

Miraculous  gifts,  ceased,  G.  iii. 
1,  p.  355. 

Misery,  penalty  of  sin,  C.  vi.  6, 
p.  38;  L.  27,  p.  155;  S.  19, 
p.  317. 

Missionaries,  credentials  of,  G. 
xviii.,  p.  388. 

evangelists  as,  G.  xviii.,  p.  388. 
support  of,  G.  xviii.,  p.  388. 


Missions,  Church  commissioned 
for,  C.  xxxv.  4,  p.  139. 
are  for  all  the  world,  C.  xxxv. 

4,  p.  139;  L.  52,  p.  171. 
application  for,  G.  xviii.,  p.  388. 
power  of  Assembly  in,  G.  xviii., 
p.  388. 

consent  of  parties  appointed 
to,  G.  xviii.,  p.  388. 
Moderators,  G.  xix.,  p.  389;  R. 
1-8,  p.  481;  30-37,  p.  485. 
of  Session,  G.  ix.  3-5,  p.  362. 
of  Presbytery,  G.  x.  9,  p.  367; 
xix.  2,  p.  389. 

circular  letter  of,  G.  x.  9,  p.  367; 
xix.  2,  p.  389. 

of  Synod,  G.  xi.  5,  p.  369;  xix. 
3,  p.  390. 

of  Assembly,  G.  xii.  7,  p.  371; 
xix.  3,  p.  390. 

sermon  by  retiring,  G.  xii.  7, 
p.  371;  xix.  3,  p.  390. 
dissolution  of  Assembly  by, 
G.  xii.  8,  p.  371. 
warrant  for,  G.  xix.  1,  p.  389. 
powers  and  duties  of,  G.  xix. 
2,  p.  389. 

to  preserve  order,  G.  xix.  2. 
p.  389;  R.  4,  p.  481;  35,  p, 
486. 

to  convene  and  adjourn  judi¬ 
catory,  G.  xix.  2,  p.  389;  R. 

1,  p.  481;  43,  p.  487. 

to  conduct  business,  G.  xix.  2, 
p.  389;  R.  4,  p.  481. 
to  propose  every  subject  of 
deliberation,  G.  xix.  2,  p. 
389;  R.  14,  p.  483. 
to  propose  regular  and  speedy 
procedure,  G.  xix.  2,  p.  389. 
to  prevent  interruptions,  G. 
xix.  2,  p.  389. 

members  to  address,  G.  xix. 

2,  p.  389;  R.  31,  p.  485;  33, 
p.  486. 

to  call  speakers  to  order,  G. 

xix.  2,  p.  389;  R.  34,  p.  486. 
permission  of,  to  leave  judica¬ 
tory,  G.  xix.  2,  p.  389;  R.  37, 
p.  486. 

to  put  question  and  call  votes, 
G.  xix.  2,  p.  389. 
casting  vote  of,  G,  xix.  2,  p. 

389.  R.  8,  p.  482. 
declining  to  give  casting  vote, 
question  lost,  G.  xix.  2,  p. 
389;  R.  8,  p.  482. 
to  state  object  of  vote,  G.  xix. 
2,  p.  389. 

to  decide  the  vote,  G.  xix.  2, 
p.  389. 

to  vote  when  a  ballot  is  taken, 
R.  8,  p.  482. 


522 


INDEX. 


Moderators  to  call  special  meeting, 
G.  xix.  2,  p.  389. 
absence  of,  action  in,  G.  xix. 

3,  p.  390;  R.  2,  p.  389. 
administrative  duties  of,  G. 
xix.  2,  p.  389. 

to  sign  citations,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
to  decide  questions  of  order 
and  evidence,  D.  2S,  p.  403. 
appeal  from,  D.  28,  p.  403;  R. 
36,  p.  486. 

to  authenticate  records,  D.  64, 
p.  410. 

to  receive  complaints,  D.  85, 
p.  414. 

to  receive  appeals,  D.  96,  p.  416. 
when  to  take  the  chair,  R.  1, 
p.  481. 

to  open  with  prayer,  R.  1,  p. 
481. 

to  keep  notes  of  business,  R. 
5,  p.  481. 

to  call  up  business,  R.  5,  p.  481. 
order,  to  speak  to  points  of, 
R.  6,  p.  481. 

to  decide  points  of,  R.  6,  p. 
481. 

committees,  to  appoint,  R.  7, 
p.  481. 

to  appoint  Vice-Moderator,  R. 
7,  p.  481. 

to  vote  by  ballot,  R.  8,  p.  482. 
motions  to  be  repeated  by,  R. 
14,  p.  483. 

duty  of,  members  standing,  R. 
30,  p.  485. 

appeal  from,  by  aggrieved 
members,  R.  36,  p.  486. 
duty  of,  in  judicial  sessions, 
R.  40,  p.  486. 

duty  of,  in  closing  sessions, 
R.  43,  p.  487. 

Modesty  in  apparel,  L.  138,  p.  245. 
Monastic  vows,  sinful,  C.  xxii. 
7,  p.  107. 

Moral  law,  C.  xix.  2,  p.  87;  L.  93, 
p.  198;  S.  40,  p.  326. 

See  also  Commandments , 
Law. 

Motions,  must  be  seconded,  R. 
14,  p.  183. 

read  aloud,  R.  14,  p.  483. 
reduced  to  writing,  R.  14,  p. 
483. 

withdrawal  of,  R.  15,  p.  483. 
division  of,  R.  16,  p.  483. 
to  fill  blanks,  R.  17,  p.  483. 
to  adjourn,  R.  18,  19,  p.  483; 
26,  p.  48 1. 

to  lay  on  table,  R.  18,  19,  p. 
483. 

to  commit,  R.  18,  19,  22,  pp. 
483,  484. 


Motions,  of  previous  question,  R. 
18,  p.  483;  22,  p.  484. 
to  postpone,  indefinitely,  R. 

18,  19,  21,  p.  483. 
to  day  certain,  R.  18,  19,  21, 
p.  483. 

to  limit  speeches,  R.  18,  p.  483; 
26,  p.  484. 

to  amend,  R.  19,  20,  p.  483. 
admissible  in  debate,  R.  19, 
p.  483. 

precedence  of,  R.  19,  p.  483. 
to  substitute,  R.  20,  p.  483. 
to  fix  time  for  voting,  R.  26, 
p.  484. 

Motions  without  debate: 

to  lay  on  table,  R.  18,  p.  483. 
to  take  up  business,  R.  18, 
p.  483. 

to  adjourn,  R.  18,  p.  483. 
of  previous  questions,  R.  18, 
p.  483. 

to  fix  time  for  voting,  R.  26, 
p.  484. 

appeal  from  Moderator,  R.  36, 
p.  486 

Music,  rules  of,  to  be  cultivated, 
W.  iv.  2,  p.  429. 
ministers  to  control,  W.  iv.  4, 
p.  430. 

and  Sessions,  G.  ix.  7,  p.  363. 

Mysteries  of  salvation,  revealed 
by  Christ,  C.  viii.  8,  p.  51. 

NATURE,  law  of,  and  Sabbath, 
C.  xxi.  7,  p.  102.  See  Cor¬ 
ruption,  Light. 

Necessity,  works  of,  C.  xxi.  8, 
p.  104;  L.  117,  p.  227;  S.  60, 
p.  331;  W.  i.  6,  p.  424. 

Neighbors,  conduct  toward,  L. 
142-148,  p.  251;  S.  75-81, 
p.  335. 

New  Testament,  Word  of  God, 
rule  of  faith  and  practice, 
C.  i.  2,  p.  10;  L.  3,  p.  142;  S. 
2,  p.  311. 

Books  of,  C.  i.  2,  p.  10. 
in  Greek,  inspired  and  kept 
pure,  C.  i.  8,  p.  14. 

Covenant  of  Grace  under,  C.  vii. 

6,  p.  42;  L.  35,  p.  160. 
Sacraments  of,  C.  xxvii.  -1,  5, 
p.  121;  xxviii.  1,  p.  121;  L. 
164,  165,  p.  279;  16S,  p.  282; 
S.  93,  p.  341. 

ceremonial  law  abrogated 
under,  C.  xix.  3,  p.  88. 
oaths  warranted  under,  C.  xxii. 
2,  p.  105. 

just  and  necessary  war  may 
be  waged  under,  C.  xxiii.  2, 

p.  108. 


INDEX. 


523 


New  Testament,  Christian  Sab¬ 
bath  in,  L.  116,  p.  226. 
to  be  publicly  read,  W.  iii.  2, 
p.  429. 

See  also  Gospel. 

Non-judicial  cases,  D.  5,  p.  398; 
D.  135,  136.  p.  425. 


OATHS,  C.  xxii.  1-4,  p.  104. 
part  of  religious  worship,  C. 

xxi.  5,  p.  101;  xxii.  1,  p.  104. 
lawful,  defined,  C.  xxii.  1,  p. 

104. 

only  by  name  of  God,  C.  xxii. 

2,  p.  104;  L.  108,  p.  212. 
how  and  when  to  be  taken,  C. 

xxii.  2,  3,  p.  104. 

vain  or  rash,  C.  xxii.  2,  p.  104. 
warranted  by  Word  of  God, 
C.  xxii.  2,  p.  105. 
imposed  by  lawful  authority, 
C.  xxii.  2,  3,  p.  105. 
unlawful,  C.  xxii.  3,  p.  105;  L. 
113,  p.  222. 

obligatory  in  all  cases,  except 
to  sin,  C.  xxii.  4,  p.  105;  L. 
113,  p.  222. 

of  witnesses,  D.  62,  p.  410. 

See  Heretics,  Infidels,  Vows. 
Obedience,  rule  of,  C.  i,  2,  p.  11; 
i.  4,  p.  12;  L.  92,  p.  197;  S. 
40,  p.  326. 

condition  of  Covenant  of  Works, 
C.  vii.  2,  p.  39;  xix.  1,  p.  86; 
L.  20,  p.  151;  S.  12,  p.  315. 
of  Christ,  C.  viii.  4,  5,  p.  47; 
xi.  1,  p.  59;  xi.  3,  p.  60;  xix. 
6,  p.  90. 

evangelical,  not  ground  of 
justification,  C.  xi.  1,  p.  59. 
to  moral  law,  binding,  C.  xix. 

5,  p.  88;  L.  93,  p.  198. 
new,  L.  76,  p.  186;  171,  p.  285; 

S.  87,  p.  339;  97,  p.  343. 
to  will  of  God,  L.  91,  p.  197; 
104,  p.  208;  192,  p.  303;  S. 
39,  p.  325;  103,  p.  346. 
to  superiors,  L.  127,  p.  233. 
Objections,  in  process,  D.  23, 
p.  401. 

to  marriage,  W.  xii.  6,  8,  pp. 
444,  445. 

Obstinacy,  aggravation  of  sin, 
L.  151,  p.  266. 

Offences,  aggravations,  L.  151, 

p.  261. 

definition  of,  D.  3,  p.  397. 
public,  D.  7,  p.  398;  10,  p.  399. 
private,  D.  7,  p.  398;  10,  p.  399. 
to  be  set  forth  in  charges,  D. 
16,  p.  400. 

of  ministers,  D.  37-39,  p.  405. 


Offences  in  presence  of  judicatory, 
D.  48,  p.  407. 

of  self-accused  persons,  D.  48, 
p.  407.  _  ' 

jurisdiction  in,  D.  108,  p.  419. 
limit  of  time  in  prosecution  of, 
D.  117,  p.  421. 

See  also  Accusations,  Pro¬ 
cess,  Prosecution. 

Offenders,  power  of  Session  over, 
G.  ix.  6,  p.  362. 

Offerings,  worship  of  God  by, 
W.  vi.  p.  432. 

ordinance  of  Christ,  G.  vii., 
p.  358 

for  poor,  G.  vii.,  p.  '358;  W. 
ix.  5,  p.  438. 

warrant  for,  W.  vi.  1,  p.  432. 
every  Lord’s  Day,  W.  vi.  1, 
p.  432. 

solemn  act  of  worship,  W.  vi. 
1,  2,  p.  432. 

time  of,  W.  vi.  2,  p.  432. 
prayer  with,  W.  vi.  2,  p.  432. 
apportionment  of,  W.  vi.  3, 
p.  433. 

Sabbath-schools,  W.  vi.  4,  p. 
433. 

societies,  W.  vi.  4,  p.  433. 
duty  of  ministers  regarding, 
W.  vi.  4,  p.  433. 
at  Lord’s  Table,  Yvr.  ix.  5,  p. 
438. 

Office,  holding  of,  aggravates 
sin,  L.  151,  p.  262. 

Officers,  Church,  appointed  by 
Christ,  C.  xxv.  3,  p.  115;  L. 
45,  p.  165;  G.  i.  3,  p.  352. 
qualified  by  the  Holy  Spirit, 
C.  xxxiv.  4,  p.  139. 
government  in  hands  of,  C. 
xxx.  1,  p.  129. 

powers  of,  C.  xxx.  2,  p.  130. 
power  of,  to  call  assemblies, 
C.  xxxi.  1,  p.  132. 
duties  of,  in  discipline,  G.  i.  3, 
p.  352. 

election  of,  in  particular  society, 
G.  i.  6,  p.  353. 
names  of,  G.  iii.  2,  p.  356. 
judges  in  admissions,  W.  x.  2, 
p.  440. 

See  also  Deacons,  Minis¬ 
ters,  Pastors,  Ruling  El¬ 
ders. 

Officers  of  judicatories.  See 
Clerk,  Moderator,  Permanent 
Officers . 

Old  Testament,  Word  of  God, 
rule  of  faith  and  obedience, 
C.  i.  2,  p.  10;  L.  3,  p.  142; 
S.  2,  p.  311. 

Books  of,  C.  i.  2,  p.  10. 


524 


INDEX. 


Old  Testament  in  Hebrew,  in¬ 
spired  and  kept  pure,  C.  i.  8, 
p.  14. 

justification  of  believers  under, 

C.  xi.  6,  p.  62;  L.  34,  p.  159. 
Sacraments  of,  C.  xxvii.  5,  p. 

121. 

to  be  publicly  read,  \V.  iii.  2, 
p.  429. 

See  also  Law. 

Omnipotence  of  God,  C.  ii.  1,  p. 

17;  L.  7,  p.  145;  S.  4,  p.  312. 
Omnipresence  of  God,  C.  ii.  1, 
p.  17;  L.  7,  p.  145. 
Ominiscience  of  God,  C.  ii.  1,  p. 
17;  ii.  2,  p.  19;  L.  7,  p.  145; 
S.  4,  p.  312. 

Oppression,  L.  136,  p.  244;  142, 
p.  251. 

Oracles,  given  to  Church  by 
Christ,  C.  xxv.  3,  p.  115. 
Order,  Moderator  to  preserve, 
G.  xix.  2,  p.  389;  R.  4,  p. 
481. 

of  proceedings,  objections  to, 

D.  23,  p.  401. 

questions  of,  decided  by  Mod¬ 
erator,  D.  28,  p.  403;  R.  6, 
p.  481. 

members  speak  once  on,  R.  18, 
p.  483. 

points  of,  R.  6,  p.  481. 
call  to,  R.  34,  35,  p.  486. 
Ordinances,  under  the  law,  C.  vii. 
5,  p.  40;  xix.  3,  p.  87;  L.  34, 
p.  159. 

under  the  gospel,  C.  vii.  6,  p. 

42;  L.  35,  p.  160. 
given  to  visible  catholic  Church, 
C.  xxv.  3,  p.  115. 
by  whom  appointed,  and  to 
what  end,  C.  xxv.  3,  p.  115. 
in  a  particular  church,  G.  vii., 
p.  358. 

established  by  Christ,  G.  vii., 
p.  358. 

sealing,  admission  to,  W.  x., 
p.  440. 

Ordination  of  Deacons,  G.  xiii. 
3-5,  p.  372. 

Ordination  of  Ministers,  G.  xv. 
11  15,  pp.  381-384. 
power  of  Presbytery  in,  G.  x. 
7,  p.  365. 

report  of,  to  Synod,  G.  x.  8, 
p.  366. 

rules  for,  G.  xv.  11-14,  p.  381. 
time  and  place  of,  G.  xv.  11, 
p.  381. 

fast  before,  G.  xv.  11,  p.  381.  j 
sermon  at,  G.  xv.  12,  p.  381. 
minister  presiding  at,  G.  xv. 
12,  p.  381. 


Ordination  of  Ministers,  vows  in, 
D.  S.,  p.  140;  G.  xv.  12,  p. 
381. 

vows,  requirements  of,  D.  S., 
p.  140. 

laying  on  of  hands  in,  G.  xv. 
14,  p.  383. 

right  hand  of  fellowship  in,  G. 
xv.  14,  p.  383. 

charge  in,  G.  xv.  14,  p.  383. 
record  of,  G.  xv.  14,  p.  383. 
of  evangelist,  G.  xv.  15,  p.  384. 

Ordination  of  Ruling  Elders,  G. 
xiii.  3-5,  p.  372. 

Organizations,  law  of,  G.  xxiii., 
p.  393. 

Original  sin.  See  Corruption. 

Overtures,  from  Synod  to  Assem¬ 
bly,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
proposed  by  Assembly,  how 
approved,  G.  xii.  6,  p.  371; 
xxiv.  1-4,  p.  394. 
from  Presbyteries,  G.  xxiv.  5, 
7,  p.  395. 

received  by  clerk,  R.  11,  p.  482. 
Bills  and,  Committee  on,  R.  11, 
p.  482. 

PAPERS,  pertaining  to  case,  in 
complaints,  D.  84,  p.  414. 
in  appeals,  D.  96,  p.  416. 
how  received,  R.  11,  p.  482. 
howT  filed,  R.  11,  p.  482. 

Pardon  of  sin,  C.  xi.  1,  p.  59; 
xi.  2,  p.  60;  xv.  3,  p.  71;  L. 
70,  p.  179;  72,  p.  181;  194, 
p.  305;  S.  33,  p.  323;  105, 
p.  346. 

See  also  Justification. 

Parents,  duties  of,  L.  125,  p.  231; 
129,  p.  235;  W.  viii.  2,  p.  435. 
obligations  to,  L.  125,  p.  232; 
127,  p.  232. 

and  Baptism,  W.  viii.  2,  p.  435. 
and  marriage,  W.  xii.  4,  5, 
p.  444. 

Parents,  First.  See  Adam. 

Parties  to  marriage,  C.  xxiv., 
p.  Ill;  W.  xii.  3,  4,  p.  444. 

Parties  in  process: 

consent  of,  for  trial  at  first 
meeting,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
witnesses  for,  cited,  D.  20, 
p.  401. 

counsel  for,  D.  23,  p.  401;  27, 
p.  403. 

heard  on  objections,  D.  23, 
p.  401. 

new  witnesses  for,  in  rebuttal, 
D.  24,  p.  402. 

new  evidence  for,  during  trial, 
n  ?4  n  402 
hearing  oP,*D.  24,  p.  402. 


INDEX. 


525 


Parties  in  process: 

excluded  from  private  session, 
D.  24,  p.  402. 

may  take  exceptions,  D.  26, 
p.  403. 

heard  on  questions  of  order  or 
evidence,  D.  28,  p.  403. 
may  require  decisions  of  Mod¬ 
erator  to  be  recorded,  D. 
28,  p.  403. 

consent  of,  for  vote  of  absentees, 
D.  29,  p.  403. 

copies  of  record  for,  D.  30,  p. 
404. 

as  witnesses,  D.  56,  p.  409. 
relationship  of  witnesses  to, 
D.  57,  p.  409. 

may  require  exclusion  of  wit¬ 
nesses,  D.  60,  p.  409. 
examination  of  witnesses  by, 
D.  61,  p.  409. 

leading  questions  by,  D.  61, 
p.  409. 

may  have  testimony  recorded, 
D.  63,  p.  410. 

may  ask  commission  to  take 
testimony,  D.  66,  p.  410. 
consent  of,  for  hearing  of  new 
evidence  by  appellate  judi¬ 
catory,  D.  70,  p.  411. 
hearing  of,  in  references,  D. 
83,  p.  414. 

complaint  by,  D.  84,  p.  414. 
hearing  of,  in,  D.  88,  p.  415. 
names  of,  in,  D.  90,  p.  415. 
may  not  vote  in,  D.  91,  p.  415. 
may  appeal  in,  D.  92,  p.  415. 
rights  of,  preserved  in,  D. 

93,  p.  415. 

appeal  by,  D.  95,  p.  416. 

may  not  vote  in,  D.  98,  p. 

417. 

hearing  of,  in,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
may  not  offer  dissent  or  pro¬ 
test,  D.  107,  p.  419. 

See  also  Accused ,  Prose¬ 
cutor. 

Passions,  excessive,  L.  136,  p. 
243. 

Pastors,  G.  iv.,  p.  356. 

officers  in  Church,  G.  iii.  2,  p. 
356. 

members  of  Session,  G.  ix.  1, 
p.  361. 

necessary  to  quorum  of  Ses¬ 
sion,  G.  ix.  2,  p.  362. 
moderators  of  Session,  G.  ix.  3, 
p.  362. 

may  invite  other  ministers  to 
moderate  Session,  G.  ix.  3, 
p.  362. 

absence  or  sickness  of,  G.  ix. 
3,  p.  362. 


Pastors,  church  without,  G.  ix.  4, 
p.  362. 

associate,  preside  alternately 
in  Session,  G.  ix.  5,  p.  362. 
to  convene  Session,  G.  ix.  8, 
.  p.  363. 

election  of,  G.  xv.  1-5,  p.  378. 
voting  for,  G.  xv.  4,  5,  p.  379; 

D.  109,  p.  419. 
call  of,  xv.  5-10,  p.  379. 
if  settled  minister,  G.  xvi. 

1-3,  p.  384. 

salary  of,  G.  xv.  6,  p.  379;  13, 
p.  383. 

installment  of,  with  ordination, 
G.  xv.  12-14,  p.  381. 
previously  ordained,  G.  xvi. 
4-7,  p.  386. 

vows  of,  G.  xv.  12,  p.  381;  xvi. 
6,  p.  386 

translation  of,  G.  xvi.,  p.  384. 
removing  of,  G.  xvi.  3,  p.  385; 
xvii.,  p.  387. 

resignation  of,  G.  xvii.,  p.  387. 
relation  of,  dissolved  by  depo¬ 
sition  or  suspension,  D.  46, 
p.  406. 

discretion  and  preparation  of, 
in  public  prayer,  W.  v.  4, 
p.  431. 

discretion  of,  in  receiving  offer¬ 
ings,  W.  vi.  2,  p.  432. 
duty  of,  in  cultivating  liberal¬ 
ity,  W.  vi.  5,  p.  433. 
to  preserve  proportion  in  wor¬ 
ship,  W.  vii.  4,  p.  434. 
consent  of,  to  preaching  of 
others,  W.  vii.  6,  p.  434. 
discretion  of,  in  private  Bap¬ 
tism,  W.  viii.  1,  p.  434. 
duty  of,  toward  the  sick,  W. 
xiii.,  p.  447. 

See  also  Calls,  Election, 
Installment ,  Ministers. 

Pastoral  charge,  acceptance  of, 
G.  xv.  8,  p.  380;  xvi.  1-3, 
p.  384. 

resignation  of,  G.  xvii.,  p.  387. 

Pastoral  relation,  constitution 
of,  G.  xv.  12-14,  p.  381;  xvi. 
4-7,  p.  386. 

dissolution  of,  G.  xvi.  3,  p.  385; 
xvii.,  p.  387. 

by  deposition,  D.  45,  p.  406. 
suspension  from  office,  D.  45,  p. 
406. 

Peace,  a  fruit  of  the  Spirit,  C. 
xviii.  3,  p.  84. 

principles  or  practices  destruc¬ 
tive  to,  censurable,  C.  xx. 
4,  p.  96;  G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 
to  be  maintained  by  civil  mag¬ 
istrate,  C.  xxiii.  2,  p.  108. 


526 


INDEX. 


Peace  of  conscience,  L.  83,  p.  191; 
194,  p.  306;  S.  36,  p.  324. 
Assembly  the  bond  of,  G.  xii. 
4,  p.  370. 

vow  to  maintain,  of  Ruling 
Elder  and  Deacon,  G.  xiii.  4, 
p.  372. 

of  licentiate,  G.  xiv.  7,  p.  376. 
of  minister,  G.  xv.  12,  p.  381. 
Peaceableness,  L.  135,  p.  242. 
Penitence,  in  prayer,  L.  185,  p. 
296. 

See  Repentance. 

Perfection,  not  in  this  life,  C.  xiii. 

2,  p.  66;  xvi.  4,  p.  76;  L.  77, 
p.  187;  149,  p.  260;  S.  82, 
p.  337. 

after  death,  C.  xxxii.  1,  p.  133; 
L.  86,  p.  192;  S.  37.  p.  324. 
Perfections  of  God.  See  Attri¬ 
butes. 

Perjury,  L.  113,  p.  222. 

Permanent  officers,  correspond¬ 
ing  members,  R.  42,  p.  487. 
Perseverance,  necessary  to  accept¬ 
able  prayer,  C.  xxi.  3,  p.  99; 
L.  185,  p.  297. 

Perseverance  of  saints,  C.  xvii., 
p.  79;  L.  79,  p.  188;  S.  36, 
p.  324. 

foreseen,  not  ground  of  elec¬ 
tion,  C.  iii.  5,  p.  23. 
of  all  justified,  C.  xi.  5,  p.  62; 
xii.  1,  p.  64;  xiii.  3,  p.  66; 
L.  75,  p.  184;  S.  36,  p.  324. 
grounds  of,  C.  xvii.  2,  p.  80. 
Personal  injury,  prosecution  in 
cases  of,  D.  9,  p.  398;  18,  p. 
400. 

Personal  reflections,  R.  28,  p.  485. 
Personal  union,  of  two  natures 
in  Christ,  C.  viii.  2,  p.  45; 
L.  36,  p.  161;  S.  21,  p.  318. 
Persons  of  the  Godhead,  C.  ii. 

3,  p.  20;  L.  9-11,  p.  145;  S. 
6,  p.  313. 

equality  of,  manifested  in 
Scriptures,  L.  11,  p.  146. 
Petition,  of  Synods  and  Councils 
to  civil  authorities,  C.  xxxi. 

4,  p.  133. 

Pictures,  lascivious,  L.  139,  p.  248. 
Piety,  to  be  maintained  by  civil 
magistrate,  C.  xxiii.  2,  p.  108. 
exemplary,  of  ministers,  G.  xv. 
12,  p.  381;  W.  vii.  3,  p.  434. 
Pity,  of  God,  (’.  xii.  1,  p.  64. 
Pleas,  of  accused  persons,  D.  23, 
p.  401. 

accused  declining  to  make,  D. 
23,  p.  401. 

entered  on  minutes,  D.  25,  p. 
402. 


]  Polygamy,  C.  xxiv.  1,  p.  Ill; 
L.  139,  p.  247;  W.  xii.  3,  p. 
444. 

Polytheism,  L.  103-106,  p.  206; 

S.  45-48,  p.  327. 

Pope,  has  no  civil  jurisdiction, 
C.  xxiii.  4,  p.  109. 
in  no  sense  head  of  the  Church, 
C.  xxv.  6,  p.  116. 
Postponement,  Motion  for,  mem¬ 
bers  speak  once  on,  R.  18, 
p.  483. 

subsidiary,  R.  18,  p.  483. 
precedence  of,  li.  19,  p.  483. 
indefinite,  R.  19,  p.  483;  24, 
p.  484. 

to  a  day  certain,  R.  19,  p. 
483. 

Pouring,  as  Baptism,  C.  xxviii. 
3,  p.  123. 

Power  of  Church.  See  Censures , 
Church ,  Discipline ,  Govern¬ 
ment. 

Praise  to  God,  a  duty,  C.  xxi.  1, 
p.  97;  L.  104,  p.  207;  196, 
p.  309;  S.  107,  p.  347;  W.  iv. 

1,  p.  429. 

an  ordinance  in  the  Church, 
G.  vii.,  p.  358. 

importance  of,  W.  vii.  4,  p.  434. 
directions  for,  W.  iv.,  p.  429. 
See  also  Singing ,  Thanks¬ 
giving. 

Prayer,  C.  xxi.  3,  4,  6,  p.  98;  L. 
178-196,  p.  292;  S.  98-107, 
p.  344. 

greater  boldness  in,  under  New 
Testament,  C.  xx.  1,  p.  93. 
to  be  made  to  God  only,  C.  xxi. 

2,  p.  98;  L.  179,  p.  292. 

in  the  name  of  Christ,  C.  xxi. 

2,  3,  p.  98;  L.  180,  181,  p.  293; 
S.  98.  p.  344. 

part  of  religious  worship,  C. 

xxi.  3,  p.  98;  L.  179,  p.  293. 
thanksgiving  a  part  of,  C.  xxi. 

3,  p.  98;  L.  178,  p.  292;  S. 
98,  p.  344. 

required  of  all  men,  C.  xxi.  3, 
p.  98;  L.  104,  p.  207;  108, 
p.  213. 

character  of  acceptable,  C.  xxi. 
3,  p.  99;  L.  185,  p.  296;  187, 
p.  298. 

help  of  Spirit  in,  C.  xxi.  3,  p.  99; 
L.  182,  p.  294. 

for  whom  and  for  what  to  be 
made,  C.  xxi.  4,  p.  99;  L.  183, 
184,  p.  295;  S.  98,  p.  344. 
for  whom  not  to  be  made,  C. 

xxi.  4,  p.  99;  L.  183,  p.  295. 
family,  C.  xxi.  6,  p.  102;  W. 
xvi.  1,  3,  4,  p.  450. 


INDEX. 


527 


Prayer,  secret,  C.  xxi.  6.  p.  102; 
W.  xvi.  1,  2,  p.  450. 
public,  C.  xxi.  6,  p.  102;  W.  v., 
p.  430. 

for  civil  magistrate,  C.  xxiii. 

4,  p.  109;  W.  v.  2,  p.  430. 
for  superiors,  L.  127,  p.  232. 
for  inferiors,  L.  129,  p.  235. 
rule  for  direction  in,  L.  186, 
p.  297;  S.  99,  p.  344. 
with  and  for  others,  L.  189, 
p.  299;  S.  100,  p.  345. 
an  ordinance  in  the  Church, 
G.  vii.,  p.  358. 

at  Presbytery,  G.  x.  10,  p.  367. 
at  Synod,  G.  xi.  5,  p.  370. 
at  Assembly,  G.  xii.  8,  id.  371. 
at  ordination  of  Ruling  Elder 
or  Deacon,  G.  xiii.  4,  p.  372. 
at  licensure,  G.  xiv.  8,  p.  377. 
at  ordination  of  minister,  G. 

xv.  14,  p.  383. 

at  installment  of  pastor,  G. 

xvi.  6,  p.  386. 

in  vacant  congregations,  G. 
xxi.,  p.  390. 

at  Baptism,  W.  viii.  3,  p.  436. 
at  Lord’s  Supper,  W.  ix.  5,  p. 
438. 

in  suspension,  W.  xi.  2,  p.  441. 
for  suspended  member,  W .  xi. 
3,  p.  442. 

in  excommunication,  W.  xi.  6, 
p.  442. 

at  marriage,  W.  xii.  8,  p.  445. 
for  the  sick,  W.  xiii.  9,  p.^448. 
on  fast-days,  W.  xv.  6,  7,  p. 
450. 

on  thanks-giving  days,  W.  xv. 

6,  8,  p.  450. 
public,  W.  v.,  p.  430. 
of  invocation,  W;  v.  1,  p.  430. 
before  sermon,  W.  v.  2,  p.  430. 
after  sermon,  W.  v.  3,  p.  431; 
vii.  5,  p.  434. 

confinement  to  set  forms  in, 
not  approved,  W.  v.  4,  p.  431. 
preparation  for,  W.  v.  4,  p.  431. 
importance  of,  W.  vii.  4,  p.  434. 
Prayer,  the  Lord’s,  L.  186-196, 
p.  297;  S.  99-107,  p.  344. 
text  of,  p.  349. 

Prayers,  sins  against,  aggravated, 
L.  151,  p.  265. 

Preachers,  L.  158,  159,  p.  273. 

See  Licentiates ,  Ministers, 
Pastors. 

Preaching,  C.  xxi.  5,  p.  100;  L. 
158-160,  p.  273;  W.  vii.,  p. 
433. 

duty  of,  L.  108,  p.  213. 
committed  to  ministers  only, 
L.  158,  p.  273. 


Preaching,  manner  of,  L.  159,  p. 
273. 

preparation  for,  W.  vii.  1,  3, 
p.  433. 

method  of,  W.  vii.  3,  p.  434. 
less  important  than  prayer 
and  praise,  W.  vii.  4,  p.  434. 
of  visiting  minister,  consent 
of  pastor  or  Session  to,  W. 
vii.  6,  p.  434. 

Predestination,  Doctrine  of,  C. 
iii.  3-8,  p.  22. 

how  to  be  handled,  C.  iii.  8, 
p.  25;  D.  S.  1,  p.  140. 

Presbyterian  Government,  war¬ 
rant  for,  G.  viii.  1,  p.  360. 

See  Government. 

Presbytery,  may  direct  Session 
to  meet,  G.  ix.  7,  p.  363. 
warrant  for,  G.  x.  1,  p.  364. 
composition  of,  G.  x.  2,  p.  364. 
representation  in,  G.  x.  2-4, 
p.  364. 

Elder’s  certificate  to,  G.  x.  5, 
p.  364. 

quorum  of,  G.  x.  6,  p.  365. 
powers  of,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 
may  appoint  judicial  commis¬ 
sion,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365;  D.  118, 
p.  421. 

records  of,  G.  x.  8,  p.  366. 
report  of,  to  Synod,  G.  x.  8, 
p.  366. 

meetings  of,  G.  x.  9,  p.  367; 
xix.  3,  p.  390. 

meetings  of,  special,  G.  x.  9,  p. 

365;  xix.  2,  p.  389. 
sermon  before,  G.  x.  10,  p. 
367. 

prayer  at  sessions  of,  G.  x.  10, 
p.  367. 

corresponding  members  of,  G. 
x.  11,  p.  367. 

definition  of,  G.  xi.  1,  p.  367. 
representation  of,  in  Synod, 
G.  xi.  1,  p.  367. 

powers  of  Synod  over,  G.  xi. 
4,  p.  368. 

union  or  division  of,  G.  xi.  4, 
p.  368. 

new,  erected,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
review  of  records  of,  G.  xi.  4, 
p.  368. 

reported  to  Assembly,  G.  xi.  6, 
p.  369. 

representation  of,  in  Assembly, 
G.  xii.  2,  p.  368. 
testimony  of  Assembly  against 
error  or  immorality  in,  G. 
xii.  5,  p.  370. 

constitutional  powers  of,  rules 
regulative  of,  G.  xii.  6,  p. 
371. 


528 


INDEX. 


Presbytery,  overtures  to,  from  As-  ; 
sembly,  G.  xii.  6,  p.  368; 
xxiii.  1-6,  p.  371. 
advice  of,  in  retiring  Ruling 
Elder,  G.  xiii.  7,  p.  373. 
to  license  candidates,  G.  xiv. 

1,  7,  8,  p.  374. 

candidates  under  care  of,  G. 

xiv.  2,  9,  pp.  374,  377. 
examination  of  candidates  by, 
G.  xiv.  3-6,  p.  375. 
record  of  licensure  by,  G.  xiv. 

8,  p.  377. 

certificate  of  licensure  by,  G. 
xiv.  10,  p.  378. 

license  recalled  by,  G.  xiv.  11, 
p.  378. 

calls  laid  before,  G.  xv.  5,  9, 
p.  379;  xvi.  1-3,  p.  384.^ 
permission  of,  in  calls,  G.  xv. 

9,  p.  380;  xvi.  1,  p.  384. 
examination  by,  for  ordina¬ 
tion,  G.  xv.  11,  p.  381. 

ordination  by,  G.  xv.  12-15,  p. 
381. 

installment  by,  G.  xv.  12-14, 
p.  381;  xvi.  4-7,  p.  386. 
power  o-f,  in  translation,  G. 

xvi.  1-3,  p.  384. 
resignation  of  pastor  to,  G. 

xvii. ,  p.  387. 

dissolution  of  pastoral  rela¬ 
tion  by,  G.  xvii.,  p.  387. 
power  of,  over  missions  and 
missionaries,  G.  xviii.,  p. 
388. 

moderator  of,  term  of,  G.  xxi. 
3,  p.  390. 

commissioners  of,  appointment 
of,  G.  xxii.  1,  p.  392. 
original  jurisdiction  of,  D.  19, 
p.  400;  108,  p.  419. 
duty  of,  toward  ministers  ac¬ 
cused,  D.  37,  p.  405;  42,  43, 
p.  406. 

duty  of,  in  case  of  member  of 
another  Presbytery  accused, 
D.  38,  p.  405. 
censure  of,  D.  41,  p.  405. 
duty  of,  in  restoration  of  min¬ 
isters,  D.  44,  p.  406. 
to  ministers  deposed  without  ' 
excommunication,  D.  45,  p. 
406. 

to  ministers  wishing  to  demit 
ministry,  D.  52,  p.  408. 
to  ministers  renouncing  juris¬ 
diction,  D.  54,  p.  408. 
proceedings  of,  subject  to  re¬ 
view,  D.  71,  p.  411. 
jurisdiction  of,  over  ministers 
in  trans .,  D.  110,  p.  420. 
shall  not  receive  member  dis¬ 


missed  to  another  Presby¬ 
tery,  D.  Ill,  p.  420. 
Presbytery,  jurisdiction  of,  over 
extinct  churches,  D.  112,  p. 
420. 

extinct,  status  of  members  of, 
D.  113,  p.  420. 

judicial  commissions,  D.  118- 
124,  p.  421. 

stated  clerk  of,  duties,  judicial 
commissions,  D.  123,  124,  p. 
422. 

differences  between  judicatories, 
D.  136-138,  p.  425. 
fasts  and  thanksgivings  ap¬ 
pointed  by,  W.  xv.  4,  p.  449- 
may  license  local  evangelists, 

C.  R.  1,  p  481. 

committee  of,  for  newly  organ¬ 
ized  church,  A.  L.,  p.  476' 
Presbyteries,  mileage  funds,  A. 
L.,  p.  460. 

printed  minutes,  A.  L.,  p.  472. 
change  of  place  of  meeting, 
A.  L.,  p.  473. 

to  furnish  licentiates  oppoitu- 
nities  for  labor,  A.  L.,  p.  474. 
Presumption,  L.  105,  p.  210. 

aggravates  s  n,  L.  151,  p.  261. 
Preterition,  Doctrine  of,  C.  iii. 
7,  p.  25;  v.  6,  p.  32;  D.  S.  1, 
p.  140;  L.  13,  p.  148. 

Previous  question,  no  debate  on, 
R.  18,  p.  483. 
how  put,  R.  22,  p.  481. 
effect  of,  R.  22,  p.  484 
Pride,  L.  105,  p.  210. 

Private  judgment,  right  of,  G. 
i.  1,  p.  352. 

Private  sessions,  D.  24,  p.  402; 

32,  p.  404;  R.  38,  p.  486. 
Probation,  minister  put  on,  D. 
52,  p.  408. 

Probationers.  See  Candidates , 
Licentiates. 

Proceedings  of  church  reported 
to  and  reviewed  bv  Session, 

D.  72,  p.  412. 

irregular,  lower  judicatory  re¬ 
quired  to  correct,  D.  75, 
p.  412. 

unconstitutional,  action  of  ju¬ 
dicatory  in,  D.  76,  p.  412. 
Process,  Judicial,  offences  liable 
to,  D.  4,  p.  397. 
parties  in  cases  of,  D.  ii.,  p.  398. 
general  rules  in,  D.  iv.,  p.  400. 
neglect  of,  by  lower  judica¬ 
tory.  D.  19,  p.  400. 

objections  to  order  and  regu¬ 
larity  of,  D.  23,  p.  401. 
in  cases  of  Ministers,  D.  vi., 
p.  405. 


INDEX. 


529 


Process  in  cases  of  Ruling  Elders 
or  Deacons,  D.  47,  p.  406. 
cases  without,  D.  vii.,  p.  398. 

See  Accused,  Cases,  Par¬ 
ties,  Prosecutor. 

Prodigality,  L.  142,  p.  252. 

Profaneness,  L.  105,  p.  209;  113, 
p.  221;  S.  55,  p.  329. 
prayer  for  prevention  and  re¬ 
moval  of,  L.  190,  p.  300. 

Profanity,  L.  113,  p.  222;  S.  55, 
p.  330. 

Profession,  what  it  implies,  C. 
xxvi.  2,  p.  118. 
public,  W.  viii.  3,  p.  436. 
hypocritical,  L.  113,  p.  224. 
eminence  in,  aggravates  sin, 
L.  151,  p.  261. 
public,  W.  x.  3,  p.  441. 

Promises,  sins  against,  aggra¬ 
vated,  L.  151,  p.  265. 

Property  rights,  not  affected  by 
church  relation,  C.  xxvi.  3, 
p.  119. 

Prophecy,  now  ceased,  C.  i.  1, 

p.  10. 

Propitiation  for  sins,  Christ  is, 
D.  S.  1,  p.  140. 

Pro  re  nata  meetings,  of  judica¬ 
tories,  G.  x.  9,  p.  367;  xix. 
2,  p.  389. 

Prosecution,  unavailing,  D.  8, 
p.  398. 

conditions  of,  for  individuals, 
D.  9,  p.  398. 

for  judicatories,  D.  10,  p.  399. 
initiated  by  judicatory,  D.  11, 
12  p  399 

committee  of,  D.  12,  p.  399. 
may  not  vote,  D.  11,  12,  p. 

399;  24,  p.  402. 

malignant  or  rash,  D.  15,  p. 
399. 

time-limit  for,  D.  117,  p.  421. 

Prosecutor,  individual,  D.  7,  9, 
p.  398. 

must  attempt  reconciliation, 
D.  9,  p.  398. 

an  original  party,  D.  11,  p.  399. 
warning  to,  D.  15,  p.  399. 
averment  of,  D.  18,  p.  400. 

Prosperity,  L.  133,  p.  239;  S.  66, 
p.  333. 

Protection,  a  duty  of  superiors, 
L.  129,  p.  236. 

Protests,  D.  x.,  p.  418. 

definition  of,  D.  104,  p.  418. 
form  of,  D.  105,  p.  418. 
entry  of,  on  records,  D.  105, 
p.  418. 

answer  to,  D.  106,  p.  418. 
modification  of,  D.  106,  p.  418. 
right  of,  D.  107,  p.  419. 

34 


Protests  in  judicial  cases,  D.  107, 
p.  419. 

Providence,  C.  v.,  p.  28;  L.  18- 
20,  p.  151;  S.  11,  12,  p.  315. 
testimony  of  works  of,  C.  i.  1, 
p.  9. 

in  preservation  of  Scriptures, 
C.  i.  8,  p.  14. 

definition  of,  C.  v.  1,  p.  28;  L. 

18,  p.  151;  S.  11,  p.  315. 
employs  second  causes,  C.  v.  2, 
p.  29. 

relation  of,  to  means,  C.  v.  3, 
p.  30. 

all-embracing,  C.  v.  4,  p.  30; 

L.  18,  p.  151;  S.  11,  p.  315. 
toward  believers,  C.  v.  5,  p.  31. 
toward  unbelievers,  C.  v.  6, 
p.  32. 

special  toward  Church,  C.  v. 
7,  p.  33. 

toward  angels,  L.  19,  p.  151. 
Providences,  murmuring  at,  pry¬ 
ing  into,  or  misapplying,  L. 
113,  p.  222. 

Prudence,  Christian,  certain  mat¬ 
ters  to  be  ordered  by,  C.  i. 
6,  p.  13. 

Publication,  Board  of,  A.  L.,  p. 
458. 

Punishment,  of  evil-doers,  L. 
129,  p.  236. 
capital,  L.  136,  p.  243. 
prayer  for  acquittal  from,  L. 
194,  p.  306. 

Purity  of  Church,  vow  of  Ruling 
Elders  and  Deacons  to 
study,  G.  xiii.  4,  p.  372. 
of  licentiates,  G.  xiv.  7,  p.  376. 
of  ministers,  G.  xv.  12,  p.  381. 
promotion  of,  and  end  of  dis¬ 
cipline,  D.  2,  p.  397. 


QUALIFICATIONS,  of  ministers 
and  members  declared  by 
Church,  G.  i.  2,  p.  352. 
of  church  officers  laid  down  in 
Scriptures,  G.  i.  6,  p.  353. 
of  candidates,  G.  xiv.  3,  p.  375. 
of  applicants  for  admission, 
W  x  2  r>  440 
Quarreling,  L.  136,  p.  242. 
Questions,  of  doctrine,  G.  x.  7, 
p.  365;  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
of  discipline,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 
in  ordination  of  Ruling  Elders 
and  Deacons,  G.  xiii.  4,  p. 
372. 

in  licensure,  G.  xiv.  7,  p.  376. 
in  ordination  of  minister,  G. 
xv.  12,  p.  381. 

as  evangelist,  G.  xv.  15,  p.  384. 


530 


INDEX. 


Questions  in  installment,  G.  xv. 
12,  13,  p.  381;  xvi.  6,  p.  380. 
of  debate,  put  by  Moderator, 
G.  xix.  2,  p.  389. 
of  evidence,  D.  28,  p.  403;  65, 
p.  410. 

of  order,  D.  28,  p.  403. 
to  witnesses,  D.  61,  66,  pp.  409, 
410. 

irrelevant  or  frivolous,  D.  61, 
p.  409. 

leading,  D.  61,  p.  409. 
recorded  if  required,  D.  63, 
p.  410. 

at  marriage,  W.  xii.  8,  p.  445. 
of  order,  one  speech  on,  R.  18, 
p.  483. 

previous,  R.  18,  p.  483. 
admitting  but  one  speech,  R. 
18,  p.  483. 

admitting  two  speeches,  R.  19> 
p.  483. 

Quorum,  of  Session,  G.  ix.  2,  p. 
362. 

of  Presbytery,  G.  x.  6,  p.  365. 
of  Synod,  G.  xi.  2,  p.  368. 
of  Assembly,  G.  xii.  3,  p.  370. 
of  judicial  commissions,  D.  120, 
p.  422. 

necessary  to  business,  R.  1,  2, 
p.  481. 

less  than,  may  adjourn  from 
time  to  time,  R.  3,  p.  481. 

READING,  of  Scriptures,  C.  xxi. 
5,  p.  100;  L.  155-157,  p.  269; 
S.  89,  90,  p.  340. 
part  of  worship,  C.  xxi.  5,  p. 

100;  W.  iii.  1,  p.  429. 
required,  L.  108,  p.  213;  156, 
p.  271. 

means  of  grace,  L.  155,  p.  269; 
S.  89,  p.  340. 

ordinance  in  Church,  G.  vii., 
p.  358. 

on  Sabbath,  in  private,  W.  i. 

4,  6,  p.  428. 
public,  W.  iii.,  p.  429. 
from  approved  translation,  W. 
iii.  2,  p.  429. 

manner,  etc.,  of,  W.  iii.  3,  p. 
429. 

on  days  of  fasting  or  thanks¬ 
giving,  W.  xv.  6,  p.  450. 
private,  W.  xvi.  2-4,  p.  450. 
Rebellion,  against  superiors,  L. 
128,  p.  234. 

Rebuke,  G.  ix.  6,  p.  362;  D.  35, 
p.  404;  41,  p.  405. 
stayed  by  appeal,  D.  100.  p.  418. 
Reconsideration,  of  motion  to 
lay  on  table,  R.  21.  p.  483. 
general,  R.  23,  p.  484. 


Record,  in  slander,  D.  13,  p.  399. 
Record  of  judicial  cases,  plea 
entered  on,  D.  23,  26,  p.  401. 
charges  and  specifications  en¬ 
tered  on,  D.  25,  p.  402. 
judgment  entered  on,  D.  2.5, 
p.  402. 

all  acts  and  orders,  with  rea¬ 
sons,  entered  on,  D.  25, 
p.  402. 

notice  of  appeal,  and  reasons, 
entered  on,  D.  25,  p.  402. 
evidence  on  file  is  part  of,  1). 
25,  p.  402. 

higher  judicatory  limited  to, 
D.  25,  p.  402. 

exceptions  entered  on,  D.  26, 
p.  403. 

decisions  of  moderator  entered 
on,  if  requested,  D.  28,  p.  403. 
absentees  noted  in,  D.  29,  p. 
403. 

copies  of,  allowed  parties,  D. 
30,  p.  404. 

after  final  disposition,  trans¬ 
mitted  to  original  judicatory, 
D.  30,  p.  404. 

testimony  verbatim  in,  if  desired, 
D.  63,  p.  410. 

attested,  sufficient  evidence  in 
all  judicatories,  D.  64,  p.  410. 
transmitted  in  references,  D. 
83,  p.  414. 

in  complaints,  D.  85,  p.  414; 
92  p.  415. 

in  appeals,  D.  96,  p.  416,  101, 
p.  418. 

read  in  trial  of  complaints,  D. 
88,  p.  415. 

of  appeals,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
failure  to  transmit,  D.  93,  p. 

415;  101,  p.  418. 
judgment  of  appellate  ^comt 
entered  on,  D.  99.  p.  417. 
explanatory  minute  in,  D.  99, 
p.  417. 

dissent  or  protest  entered  on, 
D.  106,  p.  418. 

findings  of  judicial  commis¬ 
sions,  D.  123,  p.  422;  D.  130, 
p.  424. 

Records,  kept  by  clerks,  G.  xx. 
p.  390. 

extracts  from,  granted,  G.  xx. 
p.  390. 

attested  extracts  from,  suiii- 
cient  vouchers,  G.  xx.,  p. 
390;  D.  64,  p.  410.#  . 

reviewed  by  superior  judica¬ 
tory,  D.  71,  p.  411. 
annual  review  of,  I).  <2,  p.  41*.. 
failure  to  send  up  for  review. 
D.  72,  p.  412. 


INDEX. 


531 


Records,  scope  of  general  review 
of,  D.  73,  p.  412. 
censure  of,  placed  on  both,  D. 
75,  p.  412. 

correction  or  reversal  of,  re¬ 
quired,  D.  75,  p.  412. 
lower  judicatory  required  to 
produce,  D.  76,  p.  412;  77, 
p.  413. 

proceedings  omitted  from,  D. 
77,  p.  413. 

proceedings  improperly  re¬ 
corded  in,  D.  77,  p.  413. 
transmitted  to  superior  judi¬ 
catory,  in  references,  D.  83, 
p.  414. 

in  complaints,  D.  85,  p.  414; 
93,  p.  415. 

in  appeals,  D.  96,  p.  416;  101, 
p.  418. 

dissent  or  protest  entered  on, 
D.  105,  p.  418. 

answer  to  protest  entered  on, 
D.  106,  p.  418. 

findings  of  judicial  commis¬ 
sions  included  in,  D.  124, 
p.  422. 

See  also  Register ,  Review. 
Records  of  Presbytery,  G.  x.  8, 
p.  366. 

reviewed  by  Synod,  G.  xi.  4, 
p.  368;  D.  71,  p.  411. 
to  contain:  all  proceedings,  G. 
x.  8,  p.  366. 

licensures,  G.  xiv.  8,  p.  377. 
ordinations,  G.  xv.  14,  p. 
383. 

installments,  G.  xv.  14,  p. 
383. 

resignations,  G.  xvii.  p.  385. 
appointment  of  commission¬ 
ers,  G.  xxii.  2,  p.  392. 
minister  abandoning  minis¬ 
try,  D.  54,  p.  408. 
minister  becoming  indepen¬ 
dent,  D.  54,  p.  408. 
minister  joining  other  de¬ 
nominations,  D.  54,  p.  408. 
minister  returning  certifi¬ 
cate,  D.  110,  p.  420. 
Records  of  Session,  G.  ix.  9,  p. 
363. 

reviewed  by  Presbytery,  G.  ix. 

9,  p.  363;  D.  71,  p.  411. 
to  contain:  all  proceedings,  G. 
ix.  9,  p.  363. 

retiring  of  Elder  or  Deacon, 
with  reasons,  G.  xiii.  7, 
p.  373. 

reports  of  all  congregational 
proceedings,  D.  72,  p.  412. 
return  of  certificates,  L).  109, 
p.  419. 


Records  of  Session,  to  contain: 
erasure  of  name  from  roll, 
with  reasons,  D.  49,  50, 
p.  407. 

communicant  joining  other 
denomination,  D.  49,  50, 
p.  407. 

evidence  of  repentance,  and 
grounds  of  restoration  of 
excommunicated,  W.  xi  7, 
p.  443. 

Records  of  Synod,  G.  xi.  6,  p.  369. 
reviewed  by  Assembly,  G.  xi. 
6,  p.  369;  xii.  4,  370;  D.  71, 
p.  411. 

Recreations,  lav/ful,  rested  from 
on  Sabbath,  L.  117,  p.  226; 
119,  p.  228;  S.  60,  61,  p.  331. 
temperance  in,  L.  135,  p.  241; 
136,  p.  244. 

Redeemer  of  the  elect,  S.  21,  p. 
318. 

See  Christ. 

Redemption,  C.  viii.  1,  p.  45; 
viii.  5,  6,  p.  49;  L.  59,  p.  174; 
S.  29,  p.  321. 

to  whom  applied,  C.  iii.  6,  p.  24; 
viii.  8,  p.  50;  L.  59,  p.  174; 
S.  30,  p.  322. 

References,  D.  78-83,  p.  413. 
to  Presbytery,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 
to  Synod,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
to  Assembly,  G.  xii.  4,  p.  370. 
definition  of,  D.  78,  p.  413. 
subjects  of,  D.  79,  p.  413. 
for  advice,  D.  80,  p,  413. 
for  trial,  D.  80,  p.  413. 
effect  of,  upon  cases,  D.  80, 
p.  413. 

members  of  lower  judicatory 
may  vote  in,  D.  81,  p.  413. 
higher  judicatory  not  bound 
to  give  final  judgment  in, 
D.  82,  p.  413. 

not  accepted,  D.  82,  p.  413. 
record  of,  proceedings  trans¬ 
mitted  with,  D.  83,  p.  414. 
if  accepted,  parties  heard,  D. 
83,  p.  414. 

Reformation  of  manners,  G.  xii. 
5,  p.  370. 

Regeneration,  by  Holy  Spirit, 
C.  x.  2,  p.  56. 
of  infants,  C.  x.  3,  p.  57. 
of  elect  incapable  of  being 
called  by  ministry  of  Word, 
C.  x.  3,  p.  57. 

does  not  in  this  life  wholly  free 
from  sin,  C.  vi.  5,  p.  36. 
insures  victory  over  sin,  C.  xiii. 
3,  p.  66. 

Baptism  a  sign  and  seal  of,  C. 
xxviii.  1,  p.  122. 


532 


INDEX. 


Regeneration  not  inseparably  tied 
to  Baptism,  C.  xxviii.  5,  p. 
123. 

See  also  Effectual  Calling. 
Register,  of  marriages,  G.  ix.  10, 
p.  363;  W.  xii.  8,  p.  445. 
of  baptisms,  G.  ix.  9,  p.  363. 
of  communicants,  G.  ix.  9,  p. 
363. 

of  deaths,  G.  ix.  9,  p.  363. 
of  removals  of  church  members, 
G.  ix.  9,  p.  363. 

See  also  Rolls. 

Religion,  insufficiency  of  natural, 

C.  x.  4,  p.  58;  L.  60,  p.  174. 
experimental,  examination  of 

candidates  in,  G.  xiv.  3,  p. 
375. 

Removal,  D.  xii.,  p.  420. 

of  ministers,  power  of  Presby¬ 
tery  in,  G.  x.  7,  p.  365;  xvi. 
1-3,  p.  384;  D.  115,  p.  421. 
of  candidates,  G.  xiv.  9,  p.  377; 

D.  115,  p.  421. 

of  licentiates,  G.  xiv.  10,  p.  378; 
D.  115,  p.  421. 

Ruling  Elders  and  Deacons 
cease  to  act  upon,  D.  109, 
p.  419. 

of  church  members,  D.  114, 
p.  420;  116,  p.  421. 
of  baptized  children,  D.  114, 
p.  420. 

Reparation,  sins  not  admitting 
of,  aggravated,  L.  151,  p.  264. 
See  Restitution. 

Repentance,  not  a  satisfaction 
for  sin,  C.  xv.  3,  p.  71. 
toward  offended  brethren,  C. 
xv.  6.  p.  73. 

relapse  after,  aggravation  of 
sin,  L.  151,  p.  266. 
evidence  of,  D.  41,  p.  405;  51, 
p.  407;  W.  xi.  2,  p.  441;  xi.  j 
7,  p.  443. 

unto  life,  C.  xv.  p.  70;  L.  76, 
p.  184;  S.  87,  p.  339. 
doctrine  of,  to  be  preached, 
C.  xv.  1,  p.  70. 

definition  of,  C.  xv.  2,  p.  70; 

L.  76,  p.  184;  S.  87,  p.  339.  | 
necessity  of,  C.  xv.  3,  p.  71; 

L.  153,  p.  268;  S.  85,  p.  338. 
no  condemnation  in  case  of, 
C.  xv.  4,  p.  72. 

should  be  particular,  C.  xv.  5, 
p.  72. 

end  of  discipline,  W.  xi.  1,  p. 
441. 

Reports,  of  Presbytery  to  Synod, 
G.  x.  8,  p.  366. 

of  Svnod  to  Assembly,  G.  xi.  6, 
p.  369. 


Reports  of  committee  to  investi¬ 
gate  slander,  D.  13,  p.  399. 
of  church  proceedings  to  Ses¬ 
sion,  D.  72,  p.  412. 
of  church  proceedings  recorded 
by  Session,  D.  72,  p.  412. 
of  obedience  to  order  of  higher 
judicatory,  D.  75,  p.  412. 
of  local  evangelist  to  Presby¬ 
tery,  C.  R.  1,  p.  453. 
of  Committee  on  Bills  and 
Overtures,  R.  11,  p.  482. 
Representation.  See  Congrega¬ 
tion ,  General  Assembly ,  Pres¬ 
bytery,  Synod. 

Reprobation.  See  Preterition. 
Resignation.  See  Deacon,  Pastor , 
Ruling  Elder. 

Respondent,  D.  90,  p.  415. 
Restitution,  duty  of,  L.  141,  p. 
249. 

Restoration  of  ministers,  D.  44, 
p.  406. 

of  Ruling  Elders  and  Deacons, 
D.  47,  p.  406. 

of  suspended  communicants, 
W.  xi.  4,  p.  442. 
of  excommunicated  persons, 
W.  xi.  7,  p.  443. 

Resurrection  of  Christ,  C.  viii. 

4,  p.  48;  L.  51,  52,  p.  169;  S. 
28,  p.  321. 

of  the  body,  C.  xxxii.  p.  133; 
L.  87,  p.  194;  S.  38,  p.  325. 
Retiring  members,  G.  xix.  2,  p. 

389;  R.  37,  p.  486. 

Reunion,  adjustments  connected 
with,  A.  L.,  p.  457 ;  also  p. 
479. 

Revelation  of  God,  C.  i.  1,  p.  9; 
L.  2,  p.  141;  91,  92,  p.  197; 

5.  2,  p.  311;  39,  40,  p.  325. 
Revenge,  L.  136,  p.  243. 
Reverence,  necessary  to  accept¬ 
able  prayer,  C.  xxi.  3,  p.  99; 
L.  185,  p.  296;  187,  p.  298. 

necessary  to  right  use  of  Scrip¬ 
tures,  C.  xxi.  5,  p.  100;  L. 
157,  p.  271. 

toward  God,  L.  112,  p.  218; 
S.  54,  p.  329. 

toward  superiors,  L.  127,  p.  232. 
Review  and  control,  D.  71-77, 
p.  411. 

right  of,  D.  71.  p.  411. 
frequency  of,  D.  72,  p.  412. 
records  required  to  be  produced 
for,  D.  72,  76,  p.  412;  77, 
p.  413. 

scope  of,  D.  73,  p.  412. 
members  of  lower  judicatory 
may  not  vote  in,  D.  74,  p. 
412. 


INDEX. 


533 


Review  and  control,  censure  in, 
placed  on  both  records,  D. 
75,  p.  412. 

irregular  proceedings  corrected 
in,  D.  75,  p.  412. 
judicial  decisions  not  reversed 
in,  D.  75,  p.  412. 
unconstitutional  proceedings 
under,  D.  76,  p.  412. 
neglect  of  judicatories  under, 
D.  77,  p.  413. 

Reward,  of  good  works  accepted 
in  Christ,  C.  xvi.  6,  p.  77. 
of  well-doers,  L.  129,  p.  236. 

Righteous,  The,  blessedness  of, 
L.  90,  p.  196. 

Righteousness  of  Christ,  imputed 
to  believers,  C.  xi.  1,  p.  59; 
xi.  3,  p.  60;  L.  71,  72,  p.  180; 
77,  p.  186;  S.  33,  p.  323. 

Robbery,  L.  142,  p.  250. 

Roll,  of  judicatory,  called  at  each 
session  of  trial,  D.  29,  p.  403. 
of  communicants,  names  erased 
from,  D.  49,  50,  p.  407;  53, 
p.  408. 

of  suspended  members,  D.  50, 
p.  407. 

separate,  of  members  out  of 
bounds,  D.  50,  p.  407. 
of  Presbytery,  names  erased 
from,  D.  52,  54,  p.  408. 
of  judicatory,  members  present, 
R.  10,  p.  482. 

See  also  Register. 

Roll-call  of  judicatory,  in  trial, 
D.  29,  p.  403. 

Rule  of  faith,  decisions  of  Synods 
or  Councils  not,  C.  xxxi.  3, 
p.  132;  G.  i.  7,  p.  353. 

See  Scriptures. 

Rules,  Constitutional,  453. 

Rules,  Constitutional,  adoption 
of,  G.  xii.  6,  p.  371. 

Rules  for  Judicatories,  p.  481. 

Ruling  Elders,  vows  of,  D.  S., 
p.  140;  G.  xiii.  4,  p.  372. 
church  officers,  G.  iii.  2,  p.  356. 
office  of,  G.  iii.  2,  p.  356;  G.  v., 
p.  357;  xiii.  6,  p.  373. 
representatives  of  people,  G. 
v.,  p.  357. 

by  whom  chosen,  G.  v.,  p.  357. 
duty  of,  G.  v.,  p.  357. 
warrant  for,  G.  v.,  p.  357. 
members  of  Session,  G.  ix.  1, 
p.  361. 

in  the  Presbytery,  G.  x.  2-6, 
pp.  364,  365. 

credentials  of,  G.  x.  5,  p.  364. 
in  the  Synod,  G.  xi.  1,  p.  367. 
in  the  Assembly,  G.  xii.  2,  p. 
370. 


Ruling  Elders,  election  of,  G.  xiii. 
2,  p.  372. 

qualifications  of,  .G.  xiii.  2,  p. 
372. 

ordination  of,  G.  xiii.  4,  5,  p. 

372. 

questions  to,  G.  xiii.  4,  p.  372. 
acceptance  of,  by  church,  G. 
xiii.  4,  p.  372. 

hand  of  fellowship  of,  G.  xiii. 

5,  p.  373. 

divested  of  office,  G.  xiii.  6,  p. 

373. 

infirm  or  unacceptable,  G.  xiii. 

6,  p.  373. 

ceasing  to  act,  G.  xiii.  7,  p.  373. 
term-service  of,  G.  xiii.  8,  p. 
374. 

not  re-elected  can  represent 
church,  G.  xiii.  8,  p.  374. 
presiding  at  worship,  G.  xxi. 
1,  p.  390. 

expenses  of,  as  commissioners, 
G.  xxii.  3,  p.  393. 
jurisdiction  over,  D.  19,  p.  400; 
108,  p.  419. 

general  rules  for  trial  of,  D.  vi., 
p.  405. 

cease  to  act  upon  dismission, 
D.  109,  p.  419. 

See  also  Session. 

Rumor,  general.  See  Common 
Fame. 


SABBATH,  The,  C.  xxi.  7,  8,  p.  102; 
L.  115-121,  p.  225;  S.  57-62, 
p.  330. 

and  the  law  of  nature  C.  xxi. 

7,  p.  102;  L.  121,  p.  230. 
and  the  law  of  God,  C.  xxi.  7, 

p.  102. 

the  Christian,  C.  xxi.  7,  p.  103; 

L.  116,  p.  226;  S.  59,  p.  331. 
how  to  be  sanctified,  C.  xxi.  8, 
p.  103;  L.  117,  p.  226;  S.  60, 
p.  331;  W.  i.,  p.  427. 
works  of  necessity  and  mercy 
on,  C.  xxi.  8,  p.  104;  L.  117, 
p.  227;  S.  60,  p.  331;  W.  i. 
2,  6,  pp.  427,  428. 
how  profaned,  L.  119,  p.  228; 
S.  61,  p.  332. 

reasons  for  sanctifying,  L.  120. 

p.  229;  S.  62,  p.  332. 
obligations  of  heads  of  fami¬ 
lies,  L.  118,  p.  228;  W.  i.  4, 
p.  428. 

sins  on,  aggravated,  L.  151, 
p.  267. 

sanctification  of,  W.  i.  1,  p.  427. 
how  to  be  spent,  W.  i.  2-6, 

p.  427. 


534 


INDEX. 


Sabbath,  The,  the  only  holy  day, 
W.  xv.  1 ,  p.  449. 
visits  on,  W.  xvi.  5,  p.  451. 
Sabbath-schools,  G.  ix.  6,  p.  362. 

offerings,  W.  vi.  4,  p.  433. 
Sacrament,  marriage  not  a,  W. 
xii.  1,  p.  444. 

Sacramental  union,  C.  xxvii.  2, 
p.  120;  xxix.  5,  p.  127. 
Sacraments,  The,  C.  xxvii.  p.  119; 
L. 161-164,  p.  276;  S. 91-93, 
p.  341. 

ordinances  under  the  Gospel, 
C.  vii.  6,  p.  42. 

part  of  worship,  C.  xxi.  5,  p.  101; 
L.  108,  p.  213. 

definition  of,  C.  xxvii.  1,  p.  119; 

L.  162,  p.  277;  S.  92,  p.  341. 
design  of,  C.  xxvii.  1,  p.  119; 

L.  162,  p.  277;  S.  92,  p.  341. 
parts  of,  C.  xxvii.  2,  p.  120; 
L.  163,  p.  279. 

how  made  effectual,  C.  xxvii. 
3,  p.  120;  L.  161,  p.  276;  S. 
91,  p.  341. 

number  of,  C.  xxvii.  4,  p.  121; 

L.  164,  p.  279;  S.  93,  p.  342. 
ministers  only  to  dispense,  C. 
xxvii.  4,  p.  121;  L.  176,  p. 
290. 

of  Old  Testament,  same  in  sub¬ 
stance  as  of  New,  C.  xxvii. 
5,  p.  121. 

administering  and  receiving, 
required,  L.  108,  p.  213. 
reverent  use  of,  L.  112,  p.  219. 
Session  can  exclude  from,  G. 
ix.  6,  p.  362. 

examination  of  candidates  con¬ 
cerning,  G.  xiv.  4,  p.  375. 

See  also  Baptism ,  Lord's 
Supper. 

Sacrifice  of  Christ,  fully  satisfies 
justice,  C.  viii.  5,  p.  49;  L. 
52,  p.  170;  S.  25,  p.  320. 
not  repeated  in  Lord’s  Supper, 
C.  xxix.  2,  p.  125. 
the  Romish  mass  abominably 
injurious  to,  C.  xxix.  2,  p. 
126. 

Sacrifices  of  Old  Testament, 
types  of  Christ,  C.  vii.  5,  p.  41; 
viii.  6,  p.  49. 

Sacrilege,  L.  109,  p.  218. 

Saints,  communion  of,  C.  xxvi. 
p.  117. 

worship  of,  forbidden,  C.  xxi.  2, 
p.  98;  L.  105,  p.  211. 

See  also  Believers ,  Com¬ 
munion. 

Salvation,  only  way  of,  discovered 
in  Scriptures,  C.  i.  5,  p.  12; 

i.  6,  p.  13. 


Salvation,  things  necessary  to, 
plain,  C.  i.  7,  p.  14. 

.  who  obtain,  C.  iii.  6,  p.  23; 
viii.  5,  p.  49;  viii.  8,  p.  50; 
x.  1,  p.  54;  x.  4,  p.  57;  L.  59, 
60,  p.  174;  63,  p.  174;  S.  20, 
p.  318. 

free,  sufficient,  adapted  to  all, 
C.  xxxv.  1,  p.  139;  D.  S.  1, 
p.  140. 

mysteries  of,  revealed  by  Christ, 
C.  viii.  8,  p.  51. 

in  Christ  only,  C.  v.  4,  p.  58; 
C.  xxxv.  1,  p.  139;  L.  60,  p. 
174;  S.  21,  p.  318. 
ordinarily  in  the  visible  Church, 
C.  xxv.  2,  p.  115;  L.  63,  p.  176. 
possible  without  Baptism,  C. 

xxviii.  5,  p.  123. 
limits  of,  L.  59,  p.  174. 

See  also  Adoption ,  Church , 
Effectual  Calling,  Elect, 
Justification,  Means,  Re¬ 
demption. 

Sanctification,  C.  xiii.  p.  65;  L. 
75,  p.  183;  77,  <8,  p.  186;  S. 
35,  p.  324. 

subjects  of,  C.  viii.  1,  p.  44; 

xiii.  1,  p.  65;  L.  75,  p.  183. 
Holy  Spirit  the  agent  in,  C. 
xiii.  1,  p.  65;  xiii.  3,  p.  66;  L. 
75,  p.  183;  77,  p.  186. 
imperfect  in  this  life,  C,  xiii. 

2,  p.  66;  L.  77,  78,  p.  186; 
149,  p.  260. 

subjects  of,  persevere,  C.  xiii. 

3,  p.  66;  xvii.  1,  p.  79;*L.  79, 

p.  188. 

in  what  justification  differs 
from,  L.  77,  p.  186. 
Sanctification  of  the  Lord’s  Day, 
C.  xxi.  8,  p.  103;  L.  117,  p. 
226;  S.  60,  p.  331;  W.  i., 
p.  427. 

Satan,  the  wicked  given  over  to 
power  of,  C.  v.  6,  p.  33. 
first  parents  tempted  by,  C. 

vi.  1,  p.  34;  L.  21,  p.  153. 
temptations  of,  C.  xvii.  3,  p.  81; 
L.  195,  p.  307. 

Christian  liberty  from  bondage 
to,  C.  xx.  1,  p.  92. 

God  not  to  be  worshipped 
according  to  suggestions  of, 
C.  xxi.  1,  p.  97. 

degenerate  Churches,  syna¬ 
gogues  of,  C.  xxv.  5,  p.  116. 
Christ  tempted  by,  L.  48,  p. 
167. 

vanquished  by  Christ,  L.  52, 
p.  170. 

compacts  and  consulting  with, 
L.  105,  p.  211. 


INDEX. 


535 


Satan  opposes  the  Sabbath,  L.  121, 
p.  230. 

natural  man  under  dominion 
of,  L.  191,  p.  300. 
kingdom  of,  L.  191,  p.  301;  S. 
102,  p.  345. 

prayer  for  restraining  of,  L. 
195,  p.  308. 

Satisfaction,  by  Christ  only,  C. 
viii.  5,  p.  49;  xi.  1,  p.  59;  L. 
38,  p.  162;  70,  71,  p.  180;  S. 
25,  p.  320. 

of  Christ,  imputed  to  believers, 
C.  xi.  1,  p.  59;  L.  70,  p.  180. 
not  made  by  repentance,  C.  xv. 
3,  p.  71. 

not  by  works,  C.  xvi.  5,  p.  76; 
L.  70,  p.  179. 

not  by  any  creature,  L.  194, 
p.  306. 

Saved,  The,  who  are,  L.  61,  p.  175. 
Scandal,  sins  which  cause,  aggra¬ 
vated,  L.  151,  p.  264. 

Schism,  power  of  Assembly  in, 
G.  xii.  5,  p.  370. 
may  call  for  deposition,  D.  42, 
p.  406. 

Scriptures,  The  Holy,  C.  i.  p.  9; 
L.  2-6,  p.  141;  155-160, 

p.  269;  S.  2,  3,  p.  311;  89, 
90,  p.  340. 

why  necessary,  C.  i.  1,  p.  9. 
Canonical  Books  of,  C.  i.  2,  3, 

p.  10. 

inspiration  of,  C.  i.  2,  p.  11;  i. 

8,  p.  14;  C.  xxxiv.  2,  p.  140. 
only  rule  of  faith,  practice  and 
worship,  C.  i.  2,  p.  11;  i.  6, 
p.  14;  xxi.  1,  p.  97;  L.  3,  p. 
142;  5,  p.  143;  S.  3,  p.  312; 
G.  i.  7,  p.  353. 

authority  of,  C.  i.  4,  5,  p.  12. 
testimony  of  Church  to,  C.  i. 
5,  p.  12. 

testimony  of  Holy  Spirit  to, 
C.  i.  5,  p.  12;  xxxiv.  2,  p.  140; 
L.  4,  p.  143. 

evidence  of,  as  Word  of  God, 
C.  i.  5,  p.  12;  L.  4,  p.  142. 
infallibility  of,  C.  15,  p.  12. 
illumination  of  Spirit  neces¬ 
sary  to  saving  understand¬ 
ing  of,  C.  i.  6,  p.  13;  L.  155, 
p.  267;  S.  89,  p.  340. 
sufficiency  and  perfection  of, 
C.  i.  6,  p.  13;  L.  2,  p.  139;  4, 
p.  142;  S.  2,  p.  311. 
perspicuity  of,  C.  i.  7,  p.  14. 
original  text  of,  final  appeal 
to,  C.  i.  8,  p.  14. 
to  be  translated  into  the  com¬ 
mon  tongue,  C.  i.  8,  p.  15;  L. 
156,  p.  271. 


Scriptures,  infallible  rule  of  inter¬ 
pretation  of,  C.  i.  9,  p.  15. 
the  Holy  Spirit  speaking  in,  Su¬ 
preme  Judge  of  religious  con¬ 
troversies,  C.  i.  10,  p.  15. 
reading  of,  part  of  religious 
worship,  C.  xxi.  5,  p.  100;  L. 

108,  p.  212. 

how  to  be  read,  C.  xxi.  5,  p. 

100;  L.  157,  p.  271. 
what  they  teach,  L.  5,  p.  143; 
S.  3,  p.  312. 

how  made  effectual  to  salva¬ 
tion,  L.  155,  p.  269;  S.  89, 
p.  340. 

to  be  read  by  all,  L.  156,  p.  271. 
See  also  Word. 

Scoffing,  L.  145,  p.  256. 

Scorn,  L.  145,  p.  258. 

Sealing  ordinances.  See  Admis¬ 
sion,  Baptism,  Lord's  Supper, 
Ordinances. 

Second  to  motions,  R.  14,  p.  483. 
Secret  worship.  See  Worship. 
Self-accused  person,  case  of,  D. 
48,  p.  407. 

Self-love,  L.  105,  p.  209. 
Self-seeking,  L.  105,  p.  209;  130, 
p.  237. 

Sentence,  form  of,  in  suspension, 
W.  xi.  2,  p.  441. 
in  excommunication,  W.  xi.  6, 
p.  442. 

in  restoration,  W.  xi.  4,  p.  442; 
xi.  7,  p.  443. 

publication  of,  D.  36,  p.  404; 
W.  xi.  2,  6,  pp.  441,  442. 
Sermons,  at  Presbytery,  G.  x. 
10,  p.  367. 

at  Synod,  G.  xi.  5,  p.  369;  xix. 
3,  p.  390. 

at  Assembly,  G.  xii.  7,  p.  371; 
xix.  3,  p.  390. 

at  ordination  of  Ruling  Elder 
or  Deacon.  G.  xiii.  4,  p.  372. 
trial  of  candidates,  G.  xiv.  4, 
p.  375. 

at  election  of  Pastor,  G.  xv.  4, 
p.  379. 

at  ordination  of  minister,  G. 

xv.  12,  p.  381. 

at  installment  of  Pastor,  G. 

xvi.  6,  p.  386. 

of  Moderator,  G.  xix.  3,  p.  390. 
subject  of,  W.  vii.  2,  p.  433. 
object  of,  W.  vii.  2,  p.  433. 
text  of,  W.  vii.  2,  p.  433. 
preparation  of,  W.  vii.  3,  p.  434. 
manner  of,  W.  vii.  3,  p.  434. 
caution  against  long,  W.  vii.  4, 
p.  434.  m 

at  Lord’s  Supper,  W.  ix.  4, 
p.  437. 


536 


INDEX. 


Sermons  preparatory  to  and  fol¬ 
lowing  Lord’s  Supper,  W.  ix. 

6,  p.  440. 

in  fasts  and  thanksgivings,  W. 
xv.  6,  p.  450. 

Servants,  instruction  of,  W.  xvi. 
5,  p.  451. 

Session,  called  Congregational 
Assembly,  G.  viii.  1,  p.  360. 
composition  of,  G.  ix.,  p.  361. 
quorum  of,  G.  ix.  2,  p.  362. 
Moderator  of,  G.  ix.  3-5,  p.  362. 
duty  of,  G.  ix.  6,  p.  362. 
powers  of,  G.  ix.  6,  p.  362. 
censures  of,  G.  ix.  6,  p.  362; 
D.  35,  p.  404. 

to  appoint  delegates,  G.  ix.  6, 
p.  362. 

how  and  when  convened,  G. 

ix.  7,  p.  363. 

records  of,  G.  ix.  9,  p.  363. 
review  of,  G.  ix.  9,  p.  363;  x. 

7,  p.  365;  D.  71,  72,  p.  411. 
register  of,  G.  ix.  9,  p.  363. 
appeals  from,  G.  x.  7,  p,  365. 
references  by.  G.  x.  7,  p.  365. 
power  of  Presbytery  over,  G. 

x.  7,  p.  365;  ix.  7,  p.  361. 
power  of  Synod  over,  G.  xi.  4, 

p.  368. 

to  call  congregational  meeting 
for  election  of  Pa  tor,  G.  xv. 
1,  3,  p.  378. 

to  invite  minister  to  preside  at 
election  of  Pastor,  G.  xv.  2, 
p.  378. 

original  jurisdiction  of,  D.  19, 
p.  400;  108,  p.  419. 
special  rules  for  cases  before, 
D.  34-36,  p.  404. 
process  by,  against  Ruling 
Elder  or  Deacon,  D.  47,  p. 
406. 

cases  before,  without  process, 
D.  48-51,  p.  407;  53,  p.  408. 
to  erase  names  from  roll  of 
communicants,  1).  50,  p.  407; 
53,  p.  408. 

to  keep  roll  of  suspended  mem¬ 
bers,  D.  50,  p.  407. 
to  keep  roll  of  absentees,  D. 
50,  p.  407. 

dealing  with  communicants  who 
deem  themselves  unworthy, 
D.  49,  p.  407. 

with  non-resident  communi¬ 
cants,  D.  50,  p.  407;  1 16,  p. 
421. 

neglecting  ordinances,  D.  51, 
p.  407. 

joining  cither  denomination 
without? dismission,  D.  53, 
p.  408. 


Session,  proceedings  of,  subject  to 
review,  D.  71,  72,  p.  411. 
proceedings  of  church  reported 
to  and  reviewed  by,  D.  72, 
p.  412. 

records  of,  to  include  reports 
of  church  proceedings,  D.  72, 
p.  412. 

jurisdiction  of,  over  dismissed 
members,  D.  109,  p.  419. 
of  extinct  church,  cases  of 
discipline  before,  D.  112, 
p.  420. 

to  address  certificate  to  par¬ 
ticular  church,  D.  114,  p.  420. 
to  include  baptized  children 
in  certificate,  D.  114,  p.  4 20. 
to  notify  church  dismissing 
members  of  their  reception, 
D.  114,  p.  420. 

supervision  of,  over  offerings, 
W.  vi.  2,  3,  p.  432. 
over  pulpit,  W.  vii.  6,  p.  431. 
to  judge  qualification  of  appli¬ 
cants  for  admission  to  sealing 
ordinances,  W.  x.  2,  p.  440. 
infliction  and  removal  of  cen¬ 
sures  by,  W.  xi.  p.  441. 
to  proceed  with  tenderness  and 
solemnity  in  discipline,  \V. 

xi.  1,  p.  441. 

fasts  and  thanksgivings  ap¬ 
pointed  by,  W.  xv.  4,  p.  449. 
power  over  worship,  G.  ix.  7, 
p.  363;  A.  L.,  p.  474. 

See  also  Certificates ,  Com¬ 
municants ,  Records ,  Reg¬ 
ister. 

Shorter  Catechism ,  p.  311. 

Sick,  visitation  of,  W.  xiii.  1,  p. 
447. 

duty  of,  W.  xiii.  1,  p.  447. 
instruction  of,  W.  xiii.  2-9, 
p.  447. 

prayer  for,  W.  xiii.  9,  p.  448. 

Sickness,  purpose  of,  \\  .  xiii.  2, 
p.  447. 

Silent  members,  R.  25,  p.  484. 

Simony,  L.  109,  p.  218. 

Sin,  C.  vi.  p.  34;  L.  23-29,  p.  154; 
S.  17-19,  p.  317. 

God  not  author  of,  C.  iii  1,  p. 
20;  \’.  4,  p.  31. 

why  permitted,  C.  v.  4,  p.  30; 
vi.  1,  p.  34. 

bounding  of,  C.  v.  4,  p.  31; 
L.  19,  p.  151. 

of  believers,  chastening  for, 
C.  v.  5,  p.  31;  xi.  5,  p.  62; 
xvii.  3,  p.  81. 

of  the  wicked,  C.  v.  6,  p.  32. 
of  first  parents,  C.  vi.  1,  p.  34; 
L.  21,  p.  153;  S.  15,  p.  316. 


INDEX. 


537 


Sin,  original,  C.  vi.  2-6,  p.  34;  L. 
25,  p.  155;  194,  p.  305;  S.  18, 
p.  317. 

effects  of  first,  C.  vi.  2,  jp.  34; 
vi.  3,  p.  3o;  L.  2o,  p.  154,  Zt , 
p.  155;  S.  17,  19*,  p.  317. 
imputation  of  guilt  of  Adam’s, 
C.  vi.  3,  p.  35;  L.  22,  p.  153; 
S.  16,  p.  316. 

actual,  C.  vi.  4,  p.  36;  vi.  6,  p. 
37;  L.  25,  p.  155;  194,  p.  305; 
S.  18,  p.  317. 

guilt  of,  C.  vi.  6,  p.  37;  xv.  4, 
p.  72;  xix.  6,  p.  90;  L.  27, 
p.  155;  152,  p.  267;  194,  p. 
305;  S.  19,  p.  317;  84,  p. 
338. 

punishment  of,  C.  vi.  6,  p.  37; 
xvii.  3,  p.  81;  xxxii.  1,  p.  134; 
xxxiii.  2,  p.  136;  L.  27-29, 
p.  155;  84,  p.  191;  89,  p.  195; 
S.  19,  p.  317. 

expiation  of,  by  blood  of  Christ, 
C.  viii.  5,  p.  49;  xi.  3,  p.  60; 
L.  44,  p.  165;  152,  p.  268; 
S.  25,  p.  320. 

propitiation  for,  Christ  is,  D. 

5.  1,  p.  140. 

regenerate  freed  from  bondage 
under,  C.  ix.  4,  p.  53;  xx.  1, 
p.  92. 

forgiveness  of,  C.  xi.  1,  p.  59; 
xi.  5,  p.  62;  xv.  3,  p.  71;  L. 
70,  p.  179;  194,  p.  305;  S.  33, 
p.  323;  105,  p.  346. 
confession  of,  to  God,  C.  xv. 

6,  p.  72. 

confession  of,  to  Church,  C. 

xv.  6,  p.  72. 

of  works  of  unregenerate,  C. 

xvi.  7,  p.  78. 

under  pretence  of  Christian 
liberty,  C.  xx.  3,  p.  95. 
unto  death,  the,  C.  xxi.  4,  p. 

100;  L.  183,  p.  295. 
remission  of,  Baptism  a  sign 
and  seal  of,  C.  xxviii.  1, 
p.  122;  L.  165,  p.  279. 
ministerial,  C.  xxx.  2,  p. 
130. 

degrees  of,  L.  150,  p.  260;  S. 
83,  p.  337. 

aggravations  of,  L.  151,  p.  261. 
prayer  for  deliverance  from, 
L.  195,  p.  306;  S.  106,  p.  347. 
See  also  Corruption ,  Fall , 
Justification ,  Redemption , 
Repentance ,  Satisfaction. 
Sins  against  the  several  Command¬ 
ments: 

1st,  L.  105,  208;  S.  47  p.  327. 
2d,  L.  109,  p.  215;  S.  51,  p. 
328. 


Sins  against  the  several  Command¬ 
ments: 

3d,  L.  113,  p.  221;  S.  55,  p.  330. 
4th,  L.  119,  p,  228;  S.  61,  p. 
332. 

5th,  L.  128,  p.  234;  130,  p. 
237;  132,  p.  239;  S.  65,  p. 
333 

6th,  L.  136,  p.  242;  S.  69,  p. 

334. 

7th,  L.  139,  p.  246;  S.  72,  p. 

335. 

8th,  L.  142,  p.  250;  S.  75,  p. 

335. 

9th,  L.  145,  p.  255;  S.  78,  p. 

336. 

10th,  L.  148,  p.  259;  S.  81,  p. 

337. 

Sincerity  in  prayer,  L.  185,  p.  297. 

prayer  for,  L.  192,  p.  304. 
Singing,  part  of  worship,  C.  xxi. 
5,  p.  100;  W.  iv.  1,  p.  429. 
ordinance  in  Church,  G.  vii. 
p.  359. 

family,  on  Sabbath,  W.  i.  6, 
p.  428. 

in  public  worship,  W.  iv.  p.  429. 
how  conducted,  W.  iv.  2,  3,  p. 
429. 

congregational,  W.  iv.  3,  p.  429. 
proportion  of  time,  W.  iv.  4, 
p.  430. 

in  family  worship,  W.  xvi.  3, 
p.  451. 

Slander,  L.  144,  p.  254;  145,  p. 
256. 

investigation  of,  D.  13,  p.  399. 
record  in,  conclude,  D.  13, 
p.  399. 

Sleep,  temperance  in,  L.  135, 
p.  241. 

Societies,  control  of,  G.  ix.  6,  p. 
362;  xxiii.  p,  393. 
offerings,  W.  vi.  4,  p.  432. 
Sodomy,  L.  139,  p.  246. 

Son,  The,  Second  Person  in 
Trinity,  C.  ii.  3,  p.  20;  L.  9, 
p.  145;  S.  6,  p.  313. 
eternally  begotten,  C.  ii.  3,  p. 

20;  L.  10,  p.  146. 
equal  with  the  Father,  C.  ii. 
3,  p.  20;  L.  11,  p.  146;  S.  6, 
p.  313. 

to  be  worshipped,  C.  xxi.  2, 
p.  98. 

prayer  in  name  of,  C.  xxi.  3, 
p.  99. 

See  also  Christ. 

Songs,  lascivious,  L.  139,  p.  248. 

spiritual,  W.  i.  6,  p.  428. 

Soul,  The,  createa  immortal,  C. 
iv.  2,  p.  27;  xxxii.  1,  p.  133; 
L.  17,  p.  150. 


538 


INDEX. 


Soul,  separate  state  of,  C.  xxxii. 

1,  p.  135;  L.  86,  p.  192. 
after  death,  C.  xxxii.  1,  p.  135; 

L.  86,  p.  192;  S.  3,  p.  324. 
Sovereignty  of  God,  C.  ii.  2,  p. 
19;  iii.  7,  p.  25;  xxi.  1,  p.  97; 
xxiii.  1,  p.  107;  L.  13,  p.  148; 
110,  p.  218;  S.  52,  p.  329. 
Speakers,  address  chair,  G.  xix. 

2,  p.  389. 

personal  reflections  by,  G.  xix. 
2,  p.  389. 

deviating  from  subject,  G.  xix. 
2,  p.  389. 

limitations  on,  R.  18,  p.  483; 

26,  p.  484;  28,  p.  485. 
order  of,  R.  29,  p.  485. 
alternation  of,  R.  29,  p.  485. 
interruptions  of,  R.  32,  p.  485. 
called  to  order,  R.  34,  p.  486. 
Specifications,  wliat  set  forth  in, 
D.  16,  p.  400. 

accompanied  with  names  of 
witnesses,  D.  16,  p.  400. 
reading  of,  at  first  meeting, 
D.  20,  p.  401. 

copy  of,  for  accused,  D.  20, 
p.  401. 

objections  to,  D.  23,  p.  401. 
vote  on  separate,  D.  24,  p.  402; 
99,  p.  417. 

entered  on  minutes,  D.  25,  p. 
402. 

proof  of  two  (each  by  one 
witness)  may  prove  charge, 
D.  59,  p.  409. 

in  appeals,  D.  96,  97,  99,  p. 
416. 

Special  meetings,  of  judicatories, 
G.  x.  9,  p.  367;  xix.  2,  p.  389. 
Special  organizations,  of  a  par¬ 
ticular  church,  G.  xxiii., 
p.  393. 

Speeches,  limits  on,  R.  18,  p.  483; 
26,  p.  484. 

prolix,  R.  34,  p.  486. 

Spirit,  The  Holy,  Third  Person 
of  Godhead,  C.  ii.  3,  p.  20; 
L.  9,  p.  145;  S.  6,  p.  313;  C. 
xxxiv.  1,  p.  138. 
eternally  proceeding  from  Father 
and  Son,  C.  ii.  3,  p.  20;  xxxiv. 
1,  p.  138;  L.  10,  p.  146. 
testimony  of,  to  Scriptures,  C. 
i.  5,  p.  12;  C.  xxxiv.  2,  p.  138; 
L.  4,  p.  143. 

illumination  of,  in  reading 
Scriptures,  C.  i.  6,  p.  13;  L. 
155,  p.  269. 

Lord  and  Giver  of  Life,  C. 

xxxiv.  2,  p.  138. 

Supreme  Judge  in  controver¬ 
sies,  C.  i.  10,  p.  15. 


Spirit,  The  Holy,  persuades  and 
enables  to  faith,  C.  vii.  3,  p. 
39;  viii.  8,  p.  51;  xiv.  1,  p. 
67;  L.  59,  p.174;  72,  p.  181; 
S.  30,  31,  p.  322. 
persuades  alnd  enables  to  obe¬ 
dience,  C.  viii.  8,  p.  51;  xix. 
7,  p.  92;  L.  76,  p.  184. 
gave  efficacy  to  O.  T.  ordi¬ 
nances,  C.  vii.  5,  p.  41. 

Christ  anointed  with,  C.  viii. 

3,  p.  46. 

sacrifice  of  Christ  through,  C. 
viii.  5,  p.  49. 

applies  benefits  of  redemption, 
C.  viii.  8,  p.  50;  L.  58,  p.  173; 
S.  29,  p.  321. 

enables  to  good  works,  C.  ix. 

4,  p.  53;  xvi.  3,  p.  75. 
works  repentance  unto  life,  C. 

x.  1,  p.  54;  xv.  1,  p.  70;  L. 
76,  p.  184. 

agent  in  effectual  calling,  C. 
x.  1,  p.  54;  xxxiv.  2,  p.  138; 
L.  67,  p.  178;  S.  31,  p. 
322. 

in  conversion,  C.  x.  2,  p.  56; 

xxxiv.  2,  p.  138. 
in  regeneration,  C.  x.  2,  3,  p.  56; 
xxxiv.  2,  p.  138;  L.  165,  p. 
279. 

agent  in  justification,  C.  xi.  4, 
p.  62;  L.  72,  p.  181. 
in  conferring  grace  of  adop¬ 
tion,  C.  xii.,  p.  63;  xviii.  2, 
p.  84;  L.  74,  p.  183;  80,  p. 
189. 

in  sanctification,  C.  xiii.  1,  p. 

65;  L.  75,  p.  183. 
abiding  of,  insures  persever¬ 
ance,  C.  xvii.  2,  p.  80;  L.  79, 

p.  188. 

testimony  of,  ground  of  assur¬ 
ance,  C.  xviii.  2,  p.  83;  L. 
80,  81,  p.  189. 

grieved  by  sins  of  believers, 
C.  xviii.  4,  p.  85. 
to  be  believed  in  and  wor¬ 
shipped,  C.  xxi.  2,  p.  98; 
xxxiv.  1,  p.  138. 
help  of,  in  prayer,  C.  xxi.  3, 
p.  99;  L.  178,  p.  292;  182,  p. 
294. 

gives  efficacy  to  the  Word,  C. 
xxv.  3,  p.  115;  L.  155,  p. 
269;  S.  89,  p.  340. 
to  the  Sacraments,  C. 
xxvii.  3,  p.  120;  L.  161,  p. 
276. 

confers  grace  in  true  Baptism, 
C.  XXVlii.  6.  p.  124. 

Listings  of  flesh  against,  L.  78, 
p.  187. 


ft 


INDEX, 


539 


Spirit,  The  Holy,  resisting  and 
grieving,  forbidden,  C.  xxxiv. 
2,  p.  138;  L.  105,  p.  212. 
sins  against,  aggravated,  L. 
151,  p.  263. 

relation  to  the  Gospel,  C. 
xxxiv.  2,  p.  138. 
to  the  Church,  C.  xxxiv.  4,  p. 
139. 

to  believers,  C.  xxxiv.  3,  p. 
138. 

calls  and  anoints  ministers,  C. 

xxxiv.  4,  p.  139. 
qualifies  church  officers,  C. 
xxxiv.  4,  p.  139. 

Sprinkling,  C.  xxviii.  3,  p.  123; 
W:  viii.  2,  p.  435. 

See  Baptism. 

State.  See  Magistrate. 

Stated  Clerks,  duties,  judicial 
commissions,  D.  124,  p.  422; 
131,  p.  424. 

Statement,  Declaratory.  See  De¬ 
claratory  Statement. 

Stay  of  decision  (non-judicial), 
by  complaint  of  one-third, 
D.  86,  p.  414. 

Stay  of  judgment,  in  cases  without 
process,  D.  48,  p.  407. 
by  appeal,  of  dissolution  of 
pastoral  relation  upon  sus¬ 
pension,  D.  45,  p.  406. 
by  appeal,  of  admonition  or 
rebuke,  D.  100,  p.  418. 
Striking,  L.  136,  p.  244. 

Subject,  of  sermon,  W.  vii.  2, 
p.  433. 

vote  on,  given  at  time  named, 
R.  26,  p.  484. 

Submission,  to  God,  L.  104,  p. 
208;  135,  p.  241;  185,  p.  297; 
192,  p.  302;  S.  103,  p.  346. 
to  superiors,  L.  127,  p.  233. 
Substitute,  is  an  amendment, 
R.  20,  p.  483.' 

Sufferings  of  Christ,  fellowship 
of  saints  in,  C.  xxvi.  1,  p.  117. 
Supererogation,  works  of,  impos¬ 
sible,  C.  xvi.  4,  p.  76. 
Superintendence,  power  of,  in 
Assembly,  G.  xii.  5,  p.  370. 
Superiors,  responsibility  of,  in 
Sabbath  observance,  L.  118, 

p.  228. 

duties  of,  L.  125,  p.  231;  129, 
p.  235. 

duties  toward,  L.  125,  127, 

p.  232. 

sins  against,  L.  128,  p.  234. 
sins  of,  L.  130,  p.  237. 
authority  of,  to  be  maintained, 
L.  127,  p.  233;  129,  p.  234; 
130,  p.  236. 


Superiors,  sins  against,  aggra¬ 
vated,  L.  151,  p.  263. 
Superstition,  L.  109,  p.  216. 
Supper.  See  Lord's  Supper. 
Support,  temporal,  L.  193,  p.  305. 
in  temptation,  L.  195,  p.  306; 
S.  100,  p.  347. 

Suretiships,  to  be  avoided,  L. 
141,  p.  250. 

Surety,  Christ  the,  C.  viii.  3,  p.  46; 
L.  71,  p.  180. 

Suspended  members.  See  Com¬ 
municants. 

Suspension,  church  censure,  C. 
xxx.  4,  p.  131. 

for  contumacy,  D.  34,  p.  404. 
inflicted  by  Session,  D.  35,  p. 
404. 

for  contumacy  of  minister,  D. 
39,  p.  405. 

sentence  of,  D.  41,  p.  405. 
of  minister,  from  office,  D.  41, 
p.  405. 

of  Pastor  from  office,  vacates 
pulpit,  D.  45,  p.  406.  But 

see  Stay. 

without  process,  D.  50,  p.  407; 
51,  54,  p.  407. 

of  absentee  communicants,  D. 

50,  p.  407. 

for  neglect  of  ordinances,  D. 

51,  p.  407. 

of  minister  joining  heretical 
denomination,  D.  54,  p.  408. 
form  of  sentence  of,  W.  xi.  2, 
p.  441. 

may  be  in  presence  of  the 
church,  W.  xi.  2,  p.  441. 
Swearing,  profane,  C.  xxii.  2, 
p.  104;  L.  113,  p.  222;  S.  55, 
p.  330. 

Sword,  power  of  the,  C.  xxiii.  1, 
p.  107. 

Synagogues  of  Satan,  C.  xxv.  5, 

p.  116. 

Synod,  definition  of,  G.  xi.  1, 
p.  367. 

at  least  three  Presbyteries  in, 
G.  xi.  1,  p.  367. 

composition  of,  G.  xi.  1,  p.  367. 
quorum  of,  G.  xi.  2,  p.  368. 
corresponding  members,  G.  xi. 

3,  p.  368. 

powers  of,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
judicial  commissions  of,  G.  xi. 

4,  p.  368;  D.  118-124,  pp. 
421,  422. 

decisions  of,  how  far  final,  G. 
xi.  4,  p.  368. 

may  propose  measures  to  As¬ 
sembly,  G.  xi.  4,  p.  368. 
annual  meeting  of,  G.  xi.  5, 
p.  369. 


540 


INDEX. 


Synod,  sermon  before,  G.  xi.  5,  p. 
369;  xix.  3,  p.  390. 
prayer  at  session  of,  G.  xi.  5, 
p.  369. 

duties  of,  G.  xi.  6,  p.  369. 
records  of,  xi.  6,  p.  369. 

review  of,  G.  xi.  4,  6,  p.  368; 
xii.  4,  p.  370;  D.  71,  72, 
p.  411. 

review  of  Presbyterial  by, 
G.  xi.  4,  p.  368;  D.  71,  72, 
p.  411. 

submitted  to  G.  A.  for  review, 
G.  xi.  6,  p.  369;  xii.  4,  p. 
370;  D.  71,  72,  p.  411. 
stated  clerk  of,  duties,  judi¬ 
cial  commissions,  D.  123, 
124,  p.  422. 

differences  between  judicatories, 
D.  136-138,  p.  425. 
report  of,  to  Assembly,  G.  xi. 
6,  p.  369. 

testimony  of  Assembly  against 
error  or  immorality  in,  G. 
xii.  5,  p.  370. 

new,  how  erected,  G.  xii.  5, 
p.  370. 

rules  regulative  of  constitu¬ 
tional  powrers  of,  G.  xii.  6, 
p.  371. 

translation  of  minister  referred 
to,  G.  xvi.  2,  p.  384. 
extraordinary  meetings  of,  G. 
xix.  2,  p.  389. 

Moderator  of,  term  of,  G.  xix. 
3,  p.  390. 

may  institute  process  where 
Presbytery  has  refused  to, 
D.  19,  p.  400. 

proceedings  of,  review  of,  D. 
71,  72,  p.  411. 

jurisdiction  of,  over  members  of 
extinct  Presbytery,  D.  113,  p. 
420. 

to  determine  cases  of  discipline 
begun  bv  extinct  Presbytery, 
D.  113,  p.  420. 

fasts  and  thanksgivings  ap¬ 
pointed  by,  W.  xv.  4,  p.  449. 
printed  minutes,  A.  L.,  p.  472. 
change  of  place  of  meeting, 
A.  L.,  p.  473. 

Synods  and  Councils,  C.  xxxi. 
p.  131;  G.  i.  7,  p.  353. 
necessity  and  use  of,  C.  xxxi. 
1,  p.  131. 

authority  of,  C.  xxxi.  2,  p.  132. 
may  err,  C.  xxxi.  3,  p.  132;  G. 
i.  7,  p.  353. 

to  handle  only  matters  eccle¬ 
siastical,  C.  xxxi.  4,  p.  132. 
petition  of,  to  civil  power,  C. 
xxxi.  4,  p.  133. 


Synods  and  Councils,  advice  of, 
when  required  by  civil  authority, 
C.  xxxi.  4,  p.  133. 


TALE-BEARING,  L.  144,  p.  254; 
145,  p.  256. 

Teachers,  to  be  sound  in  the 
faith,  G.  i.  5,  p.  353. 

Tellers,  R.  27,  p.  485. 
Temperance,  L.  135,  p.  241;  138, 
p.  245. 

Temptation,  why  believers  are 
left  to,  C.  v.  5,  p.  31;  L.  195, 
p.  306. 

wicked  sometimes  given  over 
to,  C.  v.  6,  p.  32. 
and  assurance,  C.  xviii.  4,  p.  85. 
how  to  pray  against,  L.  195, 
p.  306;  S.  106,  p.  347. 
Testament,  why  Covenant  of 
Grace  is  called,  C.  vii.  4,  p.  40. 
under  the  law,  the  Old,  C.  vii. 
5,  p.  41. 

under  the  gospel,  the  New,  C. 
vii.  6,  p.  42. 

See  A  ew,  Old. 

Testimony,  introduced  in  trial, 
D.  24,  p.  402. 

care  in  receiving,  D.  55,  p.  409. 
credibility  of,  D.  57,  p.  409. 
of  husband  or  wife,  not  com¬ 
pelled,  D.  58,  p.  409. 
of  one  witness,  must  be  sup¬ 
ported,  D.  59,  p.  409. 
recorded  verbatim  if  desired, 
D.  63,  p.  410. 

certified  by  one  judicatory,  valid 
in  all  others,  D.  65,  p.  410. 
commission  to  take,  D.  66, 
p.  410. 

how  taken  by  commission,  D. 

66,  p.  410. 

of  members  of  judicatory,  D. 

67,  p.  411. 

new,  in  appeals,  D.  70,  p.  411. 
receiving  improper,  D.  95,  p. 
416. 

declining  to  receive,  D.  95,  p. 
416. 

See  also  Evidence ,  Witness. 
Thankfulness,  in  prayer,  L.  185, 
p.  296. 

Thanksgiving,  required  of  all 
men,  C.  xxi.  3,  p.  98;  L.  104, 
p.  208;  108,  p.  213. 
part  of  praver,  C.  xxi.  3,  p.  98; 

L.  178,  p.  292;  S.  98,  p.  344. 
for  superiors,  L.  127,  p.  232. 
Thanksgivings,  W.  xv.,  p.  449. 
part  of  religious  worship,  C, 
xxi.  5,  p.  101. 

propriety  of,  W.  xv.  2,  p.  449. 


INDEX. 


541 


Thanksgivings,  by  whom  to  be  ob¬ 
served,  W.  xv.  3,  p.  449. 
private,  W.  xv.  4,  p.  449. 
congregational,  W.  xv.  4,  p. 

449. 

presbyterial,  W.  xv.  4,  p.  449. 
synodical,  W.  xv.  4,  p.  449. 
General  Assembly  and,  W.  xv. 
4,  p.  449. 

appointed  by  civil  power,  W. 
xv.  4,  p.  449. 

public  notice  of,  W.  xv.  5,  p. 

450. 

public  worship  in,  W.  xv.  6, 
8,  p.  450. 

duty  of  minister  in,  W.  xv.  8, 
p.  450. 

duty  of  people  in,  W.  xv.  8, 
p.  450. 

Theft,  L.  142,  p.  250. 

Theological  Seminaries,  appoint¬ 
ment  of  professors,  A.  L.,  p. 
463. 

boards  of  directors,  A.  L.,  p. 
463. 

Concurrent  Declaration  No.  9, 
A.  L.,  p.  458. 

conditions  for  recognition  of 
new  institutions,  A.  L.,  p.  464. 
time  limit  on  veto,  A.  L.,  p. 
463. 

Theology,  examination  of  can¬ 
didates  in,  G.  xiv.  4,  p.  375. 
term  of  study  of,  for  candidate, 
G.  xiv.  6,  p.  376. 
approved  professor  of,  G.  xiv. 
6,  p.  376. 

examination  of  local  evangel¬ 
ist  in,  C.  R.  1,  p.  453. 

Time,  Limitations  of.  See  Lim¬ 
itations. 

Traditions,  not  to  be  added  to 
the  Scripture,  C.  i.  6,  p.  13. 
Translation  of  ministers,  G.  xvi., 
p.  384. 

power  of  Presbytery  in,  G.  xvi. 
2,  p.  384. 

reference  to  Synod  in,  G.  xvi. 

2,  p.  384. 

not  without  consent,  G.  xvi. 

3,  p.  385. 

See  also  Removal. 
Translation  of  Scriptures,  C.  i. 
8,  p.  15;  L.  156,  p.  271;  W. 
iii.  2,  p.  429. 

Transubstantiation,  repugnant 
to  Scripture  and  to  com¬ 
mon  sense,  C.  xxix.  6,  p.  127. 
Trials,  of  candidates,  G.  xiv.  4, 
p.  375;  C.  R.  2,  p.  454. 
for  ordination,  G.  xv.  1 1 ,  p.  381 . 
of  local  evangelists,  C.  R.  1,  p. 
453. 


Trials,  Judicial,  order  of  pro¬ 
cedure  in,  D.  20,  23,  24,  p. 
401. 

to  be  speedy,  D.  33,  p.  404;  46, 
p.  406. 

new,  D.  69,  70,  p.  411. 

new,  in  appeals,  D.  99,  p.  417. 

See  also  Process. 

Tribute,  to  be  paid  to  State,  C. 
xiii.  4,  p.  110. 

Trinity,  The,  C.  ii.  3,  p.  20;  L. 
9-11,  p.  145;  S.  6,  p.  313. 

creation  by,  C.  iv.  1,  p.  26. 

to  be  worshipped,  C.  xxi.  2,  p.98. 

Baptism  in  name  of,  C.  xxviii. 
2,  p.  122;  L.  165,  p.  279;  S. 
94,  p.  342;  W.  viii.  2,  p.  435. 

Trustees,  relations  to  the  Ses¬ 
sion,  G.  ix.  7,  p.  363;  A.  L., 
p.  475. 

sign  pastoral  call,  G.  xv.  7, 
p.  380. 

welcome  Pastor,  G.  xvi. 7,  p.  387. 

review  of  proceedings  of,  A. 
L.,  p.  475. 

Truth  of  God,  C.  i.  4,  p.  12;  ii. 
1,  p.  18;  L.  7,  p.  145;  S.  4, 
p.  312. 

Truth  of  Scripture,  C.  i.  1,  p.  10; 
i.  5,  p.  12;  i.  9,  p.  15;  L.  160, 
p.  276. 

Truth,  speaking  the,  L.  141,  p. 
248;  144,  p.  253;  S.  77,  p.  336. 

relation  of,  to  duty,  G.  i.  4, 
p.  352. 

touchstone  of,  G.  i.  4,  p.  352. 

importance  of,  G.  i.  4,  p.  352. 

Assembly  to  promote,  G.  xii. 
5,  p.  370. 

revealed,  certain  aspects  of, 
D.  S.,  p.  140. 

UNBAPTIZED  persons,  admission 
of,  W.  x.  4,  p.  441. 

Unbelief,  L.  105,  p.  210. 

Uncleanness,  L.  139,  p.  248. 

Understanding,  necessary  to  ac¬ 
ceptable  prayer,  C.  xxi.  3, 
p.  99;  L.  185,  p.  297;  187, 
p.  298. 

necessary  to  right  use  of  Scrip¬ 
ture,  C.  xxi.  5,  p.  100;  L.  157, 
p.  272. 

necessary  to  worthy  receiving 
of  Lord’s  Supper,  C.  xxix. 
8,  p.  128;  L.  171,  p.  284;  S. 
97,  p.  343;  W.  ix.  2,  4,  p.  437. 

Unfinished  business,  R.  13,  p. 

.  482. 

Union,  of  believers  with  Christ, 
C.  xxvi.  1,  p.  117;  L.  66, 
p.  177;  79,  p.  188. 

See  Communion. 


542 


INDEX. 


Union,  hypostatic. 

See  Personal  Union. 
sacramental.  See  Sacramental. 

Union  of  churches,  the  Assem¬ 
bly  the  bond  of,  G.  xii.  4, 
p.  370. 

Unity  of  God,  C.  ii.  1,  p.  1G;  ii. 

3,  p.  20;  L.  8,  9,  p.  145;  S. 

5,  6,  p.  313. 

Unregenerate,  The,  works  of,  C. 
xvi.  7,  p.  78. 

use  of  moral  law  to,  L.  9G,  p. 

200. 

Usury,  L.  142,  p.  251. 

VACANCIES,  how  supplied,  G. 
xviii.,  p.  388. 

Vacant  congregations,  represen¬ 
tation  of,  in  Presbytery,  G. 
x.  4,  p.  364. 

applying  for  assistance,  G. 
xviii.,  p.  388. 

assembling  for  worship,  G.  xxi., 
p.  390. 

public  worship  of,  recom¬ 
mended,  G.  xxi.,  p.  390. 
sermons  for,  to  be  approved  ! 

by  Presbytery,  G.  xxi.,  p.  390. 
Elders  or  Deacons  to  preside 
in  worship  of,  G.xxi.,p.  390. 

Vice-Moderator,  R.  7,  p.  481. 

Visitation  of  churches,  G.  x.  7, 
p.  365. 

of  the  sick,  W.  xiii.  1,  p.  447.  j 

Visits,  on  the  Sabbath,  disap¬ 
proved,  W.  xvi.  5,  p.  451. 

Vote,  for  Pastor,  G.  xv.  4,  p.  379; 
D.  109,  p.  419. 

statement  of  object  of,  G.  xix. 
2,  p.  389. 

equally  divided,  G.  xix.  2,  p. 
389. 

casting,  G.  xix.  2,  p.  389. 
on  charges  severally,  D.  17, 
p.  400;  24,  p.  402;  99,  p.  417. 
member  not  present  through¬ 
out  trial  loses,  D.  29,  p.  403. 
member  under  charges  may  , 
be  debarred  from,  D.  40,  p. 
405. 

in  review  of  records,  D.  74, 
p.  412. 

in  cases  of  reference,  D.  81, 
p.  413. 

parties  debarred  from,  in  com¬ 
plaints,  D.  91,  p.  415. 
in  appeals,  D.  98,  p.  417. 
in  appeals,  D.  99,  p.  417. 
by  ballot,  of  Moderator,  R.  8, 
p.  482. 

not  to  be  declined,  R.  25,  p.  484.  I 
members  silent  in,  R.  25,  p. 
484. 


Vote,  members  excused  from,  R. 
25,  p.  484. 

taking  the,  R.  26,  p.  484. 
mistake  in,  R.  26,  p.  484. 
on  given  subject  at  time  named, 
R.  26,  p.  484. 
division  on,  R.  27,  p.  485. 
tellers  for,  R.  27,  p.  485. 
yeas  and  nays  in,  R.  27,  p.  485. 
judicial  committee  have,  R.  41, 
p.  486. 

committee  of  prosecution  have 
not,  D.  11,  12,  p.  399;  24, 
p.  402;  27,  p.  403. 

Vows,  C.  xxii.  5,  p.  104. 

part  of  religious  worship,  C. 

xxi.  5,  p.  101;  xxii.  5,  p.  106; 
L.  108,  p.  214. 

to  God  only,  C.  xxii.  6,  p.  106. 
character  of  acceptable,  C. 

xxii.  6,  p.  106. 

unlawful,  C.  xxii.  7,  p.  107:  L. 
113,  p.  222. 

monastic,  are  sinful,  C.  xxii. 

7,  p.  107;  L.  139,  p.  247. 
ordination,  D.  S.,  p.  140. 
sins  against,  aggravated,  L. 
151,  p.  265. 

in  Baptism,  L.  167,  p.  281. 
of  Ruling  Elders  and  Deacons, 
D.  S.,  p.  140;  G.  xiii,  4,  p. 
372. 

of  licentiates,  G.  xiv.  1,  p.  374. 
of  ministers,  D.  S.,  p.  140;  G. 

xv.  12,  p.  381;  xvi.  6,  p.  386. 
in  marriage,  W.  xii.  8,  p.  445. 

WAR,  just  and  necessary,  may 
be  waged,  C.  xxiii.  2,  p.  108; 
L.  136,  p.  243. 

Watchfulness,  L.  195,  p.  307. 
testimony  of,  recorded,  D.  62, 
p.  308. 

Water,  in  Baptism,  C.  xxviii.  2, 
p.  122;  L.  165,  p.  279;  S.  94. 
p.  342;  W.  viii.  2,  p.  434. 
Wealth,  to  be  lawfully  furthered, 
L.  141,  p.  250;  S.  74,  75, 
p.  335. 

true  view  of,  S.  66,  p.  333;  74, 
75,  p.  335. 

Well-doers,  rewarding  of,  L.  129, 
p.  236. 

Wicked,  The,  hardening  of,  C. 
v.  6,  p.  32. 

condition  of,  in  life,  L.  83,  p. 
191. 

after  death,  C.  xxxii.  1,  p. 

134;  L.  87,  p.  194. 
after  judgment,  C.  xxxiii.  2, 
p.  136;  L.  89,  p.  195. 
Wilful  desertion,  C.  xxiv.  6,  p. 
113;  L.  139,  p.  248. 


INDEX. 


543 


Will,  the  human,  not  forced,  C. 

iii.  1,  p.  21;  ix.  1,  p.  51. 

and  the  decrees,  C.  iii.  1,  p.  21; 

iv.  2,  p.  27. 

original  freedom  and  ability 
of,  C.  iv.  2,  p.  27;  ix.  2,  p.  52; 
L.  17,  p.  150;  21,  p.  153;  S. 
13,  p.  315. 

ability  of,  to  spiritual  good, 
lost  by  the  fall,  C.  vi.  4,  p.  36; 
ix.  3,  p.  52;  L.  25,  p.  154; 
192,  p.  302. 

renewed  in  conversion,  C.  ix. 

4,  p.  53;  x.  1,  p.  55;  L.  67, 
p.  178;  S.  31,  p.  322. 

perfectly  free  to  good  alone,  in 
glory  only,  C.  ix.  5,  p.  54. 
See  Free  Will. 

Wine,  not  changed  in  Lord’s 
Supper,  C.  xxix.  6,  p.  127. 
Wisdom  of  God,  C.  i.  1,  p.  9;  ii. 

1,  p.  17;  v.  1,  p.  28;  v.  4,  p. 
30;  L.  7,  p.  145;  S.  4,  p. 
312. 

Witness  of  Spirit,  to  Scriptures, 

C.  i.  5,  p.  12;  L.  4,  p.  143. 
ground  of  assurance,  C.  xviii. 

2,  p.  83;  L.  80,  p.  189. 

sins  against,  aggravated,  L. 
151,  p.  263. 

Witnesses,  false,  L.  145,  p.  255; 

5,  77,  78,  p.  336. 

power  of  Sessions  over,  G.  ix. 

6,  p.  362. 

not  members  of  church,  G.  ix. 
6,  p.  362. 

names  of,  with  specifications, 

D.  16,  p.  400. 

names  of,  for  accused,  D.  20, 
p.  401. 

citations  for,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
for  accused,  not  required  to 
be  disclosed,  D.  20,  p.  401. 
time  allowed  for  appearance 
of,  D.  20,  22,  p.  401. 
examination  of,  D.  24,  p.  402.; 

61,  p.  409. 
new,  D.  24,  p.  402. 
competence  of,  D.  55,  56,  58, 
p.  409. 

credibility  of,  D.  57,  p.  409. 
husband  or  wife  as,  D.  58,  p. 
409. 

one,  must  be  supported  by 
other  evidence,  D.  59,  p.  409. 
presence  of,  during  testimony, 
D.  60,  p.  409. 

oath  or  affirmation  of,  D.  62, 
„  p.  410. 

testimony  of,  recorded,  D.  63, 
p.  410. 

commission  to  examine,  D.  66, 
p.  410. 


Witnesses,  members  of  judicatory 
as,  D.  67,  p.  411. 
refusing  to  appear,  D.  68,  p. 
411. 

contumacy  of,  D.  68,  p.  411. 
of  marriages,  W.  xii.  7,  p.  444. 
See  also  Testimony. 

Word  of  God,  the,  The  Holy 
Scriptures  are,  C.  i.  2,  p.  10; 
L.  3,  4,  p.  142;  S.  2,  p.  311. 
reading,  preaching  and  hear¬ 
ing  of,  part  of  religious 
worship,  C.  xxi.  5,  p.  100; 
L.  108,  p.  213. 

how  made  effectual  to  salvation, 
C.  xxv.  3,  p.  115;  L.  155,  p. 
269;  S.  89,  p.  340. 
to  be  read  by  all,  L.  156,  p. 
271. 

how  to  be  read,  L.  157,  p.  269; 
S.  90,  p.  340. 

to  be  preached  by  ministers 
only,  L.  158,  p.  273. 
how  to  be  preached,  L.  159, 
p.  273. 

how  to  be  heard,  L.  160,  p.  275; 
S.  90,  p.  340. 

See  also  Scriptures. 
Workings  of  Spirit,  sins  against, 
aggravated,  L.  151,  p.  263. 
Works,  Covenant  of,  C.  vii.  2,  3, 
p.  38;  xix.  1,  p.  86;  L.  20, 
153;  30,  p.  157;  S.  12,  p.  315. 
Works,  Good.  See  Good  Works. 
of  supererogation,  C.  xvi.  4, 
p.  76. 

of  unregenerate,  C.  xvi.  7,  p.  78. 
World,  Creation  of,  C.  iv.  1,  p.  26; 
L.  15,  p.  147;  S.  9,  p.  314. 
temptations  of,  C.  xvii.  3,  p.  81; 
L.  195,  p.  307. 

judgment  of,  C.  xxxiii.  1,  p. 
135;  L.  151,  p.  169;  56,  p. 
173;  S.  28,  p.  321. 

Worship,  Directory  for,  p.  423. 
Worship,  C.  xxi.,  p.  97. 

only  object  of,  C.  ii.  2,  p.  19; 
xxi.  2,  p.  98;  L.  103-106, 
p.  206;  179,  p.  292;  S.  45-48, 
p.  327. 

God  prescribes  kind  of,  C.  xxi. 
1,  p.  97;  L.  108,  p.  213;  S. 
49-51,  p.  328. 

through  mediation  of  Christ 
alone,  C.  xxi.  2,  p.  98. 
parts  of,  C.  xxi.  3,  p.  98;  xxi. 
5,  p.  100. 

not  limited  to  particular  place, 
C.  xxi.  6,  p.  101. 
to  be  kept  pure  and  entire, 
L.  108,  p.  213;  S.  50,  p.  328. 
false,  L.  108,  p.  214;  109,  p. 
215;  110,  p.  219. 


544 


INDEX. 


Worship,  neglect  of,  or  opposition 
to,  L.  109,  p.  218. 

See  also  Family,  Fastings, 
Forms,  Offerings,  Praise,  , 
Prayer,  Preaching,  ! 

Thanksgivings. 

Worship,  Public,  C.  xxi.  6,  p.  101. 
of  vacant  congregations,  G. 
xxi.,  p.  390. 

preparation  for,  W.  i.  3,  4,  p. 

427. 

assembling  for,  W.  i.  5,  ii.  1, 
p.  428. 

behavior  during,  W.  ii.  2,  p. 

428. 

proportion  between  parts  of, 
W.  iv.  4,  p.  430;  vii.  4,  p.  434. 
on  days  of  fasting  or  thanks¬ 
giving,  W.  xv.  6,  p.  450. 


Worship,  Secret,  C.  xxi.  6,  p.  101; 
W.  xvi.,  p.  450. 
duty  of,  W.  xvi.  1,  2,  p.  450. 
manner  of,  W.  xvi.  2,  p.  450. 
advantages  of,  W.  xvi.  2,  p. 
450. 

Worship,  power  of  Session  over, 
G.  ix.  7,  p.  363;  A.  L.,  p.  474. 
Wounding,  L.  136,  p.  244. 


YEAS  and  Nays,  R.  26,  p.  484; 
27,  p.  485. 


ZEAL,  for  God,  L.  104,  p.  207; 
192,  p.  304. 

corrupt,  blind,  and  indiscreet, 
L.  105,  p.  211. 


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